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Do I Need to Change My Skincare Routine After a Facial Surgery?

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October 13, 2022 | Facial Surgery
3 minute read


woman looking in mirror at face with hair in a towel

Opting for facial plastic surgery might help you create your desired aesthetic and give you more confidence in your appearance. However, the procedure is just the first step. Your at-home care will significantly affect your recovery and final results.

You may wonder, “Do I need to change my skincare routine after a facial surgery?” The answer is yes—your skincare routine is one of the most essential parts of the post-facial surgery recovery process.

Skincare after Facial Surgery

After your surgery, you will probably need to alter your regular skincare routine for at least a few weeks. How you change your routine will depend on the type of procedure that you have. Most products are formulated for an intact skin barrier, but treatments such as microdermabrasion, rhinoplasty, or facelifts can interrupt this barrier and result in the need for extra gentle ingredients.

At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, we will ensure you clearly understand how to care for your skin after surgery and send you with specific instructions. We are committed to taking care of our patients from start to finish and are available to give advice or answer any questions that you have about pre- or post-surgical skincare. In general, though, you can follow these tips:

Before Your Facial Surgery

Simplifying your skincare routine to only include cleansing and moisturizing can help prepare your skin for surgery. Reduce your process down to the essentials at least a few days before surgery. Avoid using retinol, vitamin C, and other serums.

After Your Facial Surgery

For the first few days after surgery, your board-certified plastic surgeon may recommend avoiding getting any moisture on your face. This means you may not be able to cleanse as you usually would, but our aesthetic experts will have advice about how to keep your skin clean.

After this initial period, it is important to focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizing. Our team will recommend products you can use for the next several weeks.

Continue using sun protection, even if you do not think you will be outside much. SPF will help protect your skin from sun damage, which is even more critical after surgery, as it is more susceptible to harm from UV rays. You will also need to avoid wearing makeup for at least a week, as it can irritate delicate skin and incision sites.

When can I Resume My Regular Skincare Routine?

Changing your skincare routine during the healing process may help speed your recovery and reduce your risk of scarring or discoloration. It might also improve your overall results. Most patients can resume their normal skincare routines within a month after surgery. After your procedure, Dr. Daniel will check your skin to ensure it is healing properly. He can then give you the approval to resume your regular process or recommend alternative products to care for your new look. It is essential to follow this advice to avoid complications and irritation of the skin.

Contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for Skincare Advice After Facial Plastic Surgery

After fully recovering from facial surgery, you should continue to follow a consistent, high-quality skincare routine. This will help preserve your results and keep you looking your best for years to come.

If you need more advice on changing your skincare routine after a facial surgery or want to learn more about the recovery process, feel free to contact us. We are always happy to answer your questions.

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