After a facelift, most people are excited to enjoy their results: smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and a refreshed appearance. But what many don’t realise is that your post-facelift skincare routine plays a massive role in how well you heal and how long your results last. It’s not just about what to apply. It’s also about what to avoid. Some skincare products that are perfectly fine under normal circumstances can cause irritation, slow down healing, or even interfere with your facelift results if used too soon. If you’re recovering from a facelift or preparing for one, here’s a list of 10 skincare products to avoid post-facelift, based on expert advice from facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. Julian De Silva. 1. Retinol and Retinoids Let’s start with a popular one: retinol. It’s known for its anti-ageing benefits and ability to increase cell turnover, which can help reduce fine lines and improve skin texture. But right after a facelift? Not the best idea. Products like tretinoin (Retin-A), retinol, and other retinoids are powerful, and that power can be too much for healing skin. They can trigger irritation, dryness, and inflammation—all things you want to avoid while your face is trying to recover. Facelift and skincare tip: Avoid retinoids for at least six weeks post-surgery. Once your skin has healed and your surgeon gives the go-ahead, you can reintroduce them slowly. 2. Chemical Exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are found in a lot of toners, serums, and peels. They’re great for sloughing off dead skin cells and helping with acne or dullness, but not right after surgery. These acids can penetrate the skin deeply, which means they can also irritate it more than usual during the healing process. Post facelift skincare rule: Skip glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating acids for a few weeks. Focus on letting your skin recover naturally. 3. Acne Treatments If you regularly treat acne with products like benzoyl peroxide, you’ll want to hit pause during your facelift recovery. While these treatments help by killing bacteria and drying up breakouts, they also dry out the skin overall, which can be a real problem when healing. Skincare to avoid post-facelift: Put the acne treatments on hold unless your surgeon recommends a gentler alternative. Dry, irritated skin doesn’t heal well and can lead to scarring. 4. Vitamin C Serums Vitamin C is one of the best-known ingredients for brightening the skin and fighting free radicals. It helps with pigmentation and supports collagen production, which sounds ideal, just not right after surgery. Topical vitamin C can sting and irritate sensitive, healing skin. However, oral vitamin C in supplement form is actually helpful during recovery because of its antioxidant benefits. Facelift skincare advice: Skip the serum, but keep taking your oral vitamin C supplements to support healing from the inside out. 5. Exfoliating Scrubs Grainy face scrubs and brushes might seem like a great way to remove dead skin and feel squeaky clean, but after a facelift, they can do more harm than good. These scrubs are too rough on healing skin and can cause tiny cuts or irritations that delay your progress. Post-facelift skincare reminder: No physical exfoliation until you’re fully healed. Be gentle and stick to soft cloths and lukewarm water in the meantime. 6. Essential Oils They may be natural, but essential oils are still strong and can be irritating. Lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus—they all smell nice and have various benefits, but they can trigger redness, itching, or even allergic reactions after surgery. Skincare to avoid post-facelift: Steer clear of products with essential oils or oil blends during recovery. Even “calming” oils can be too intense for fresh surgical skin. 7. Hydroquinone Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent often used to reduce pigmentation or dark spots. While it can be helpful for some patients during facelift recovery (especially if hyperpigmentation starts to develop), it’s not something you want to use right away. Using it too soon can irritate healing skin and worsen inflammation. Facelift and skincare tip: Only use hydroquinone once your surgeon advises it. It’s powerful, and timing is key. 8. Alcohol-Based Skincare Alcohol is found in many toners, spot treatments, and cleansers because it dries quickly and helps other ingredients absorb. The problem? It also dries out your skin, which is something you definitely don’t want post-facelift. Post facelift skincare warning: Avoid products with alcohol (look for “alcohol denat” or “ethanol” on labels). Dry skin doesn’t heal well and is more prone to irritation. 9. Fragranced Products Nice-smelling skincare might feel luxurious, but fragrances are one of the most common causes of skin irritation. That irritation can be even worse when your skin is healing from surgery. Fragrance doesn’t add any healing benefits. It’s just there to smell good. Skincare to avoid post-facelift: Choose fragrance-free cleansers, moisturisers, and serums. Less is more when it comes to ingredients right now. 10. Self-Tanning Creams and Lotions You might be tempted to use a bit of self-tanner to give your skin a glow while recovering, but don’t. These products usually contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the outer layers of your skin to create a tan-like effect. That reaction can interfere with healing and lead to uneven colour while your skin is still sensitive. Facelift skincare tip: Skip the self-tanner until your skin is fully healed. You’ll get a more even look if you wait just a few weeks. Why Does This Matter? After a facelift, your skin is healing from the inside out. Using the wrong products can trigger irritation, prolong recovery, or even affect your final results. The last thing you want after surgery is to undo all the work by applying something that causes a setback. Facelift and skincare choices during recovery should be simple and gentle. Think of your skin like a healing wound because it needs time, patience, and the right care. Avoiding harsh ingredients isn’t just about comfort. It’s about protecting your investment in the surgery and getting the best possible results. What Should You Use Instead? During recovery, stick to: A mild, fragrance-free cleanser A gentle moisturiser (preferably recommended by your surgeon) SPF (once your surgeon says it’s okay) Prescribed ointments or creams, if provided by your doctor These basics will support your skin without overwhelming it. Ready to Plan Your Facelift and Recovery? If you’re considering a facelift or you’ve recently had one, knowing which skincare products to avoid post-facelift is a crucial part of recovery. Healing properly will not only help you feel more comfortable but also ensure the best long-term outcome. Do you want expert guidance on post-facelift skincare? Or are you thinking about having a facelift but not sure how to plan for recovery? Book a facelift consultation with Dr. De Silva today to get personalised advice from a facial cosmetic expert and learn how to protect your results every step of the way.

Thinking about reshaping your nose? Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to fix breathing issues, it’s completely normal to wonder about the best route to take. One of the most common questions Dr. Julian De Silva gets asked this question, “Surgical vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty: which is better?” Both options can improve the look of your nose, but they work very differently and offer different kinds of results. Let’s break it down so you can make a confident, well-informed decision. What Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty? Also known as a liquid nose job, non-surgical rhinoplasty involves using dermal fillers (usually made of hyaluronic acid) to change the shape of your nose. There’s no cutting, no general anaesthetic, and you can be in and out of the clinic in under 30 minutes. This treatment is ideal for people who want to: Smooth out small bumps on the bridge of their nose Lift a droopy tip slightly create more balance or symmetry from a side profile However, it’s important to understand that non-surgical rhinoplasty works by adding volume. So, it can only enhance certain features—it can't make your nose smaller or remove tissue. If your nose already feels too large, adding filler may actually make it look even bigger. What Is Surgical Rhinoplasty? Surgical rhinoplasty, on the other hand, involves reshaping the bone and cartilage of the nose under general anaesthesia. This can include removing bumps, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, and reducing overall size. It also allows for internal corrections to improve breathing, such as fixing a deviated septum. This option is better suited for people who: Want permanent results Need structural changes or reduction Struggle with breathing due to nasal obstruction Have thick skin, asymmetry, or previous injuries Unlike fillers, surgery can subtract tissue, which means it offers far more flexibility in terms of reshaping and reducing the nose. Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Nose Jobs: Key Differences If you’re trying to decide between rhinoplasty vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main difference comes down to what each method can actually achieve. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is great for subtle surface changes. It’s less invasive, requires no recovery time, and results are visible immediately. However, these results are temporary and need to be repeated every six to 12 months. Surgical rhinoplasty offers long-term results and can dramatically change the structure of your nose. But it comes with a longer recovery period, typically one to two weeks of downtime and several months for full healing. So, if you’re hoping to slim your nose, fix a crooked bridge, or breathe better, surgery is usually the only option that can deliver those results. Who’s a Good Candidate for Each? Dr. De Silva suggests that non-surgical rhinoplasty works best for people who already have a reasonably shaped nose and want a small touch-up, like smoothing a minor bump or slightly lifting the nasal tip. It’s also a good way to “trial” how your nose might look after surgical rhinoplasty, without committing to surgery straight away. Surgical rhinoplasty is better for people looking for long-term or functional results. It’s the best choice if you want to make your nose smaller, narrow the nostrils, or correct deformities caused by injury or genetics. Also, if you have thick skin or certain ethnic nose shapes, surgical ethnic rhinoplasty gives more control and precision than fillers can offer. Dr. De Silva is careful to preserve each patient’s ethnic features while enhancing their natural beauty, so the outcome still feels like you. Risks and Safety Considerations As with any procedure, both types of rhinoplasty come with risks. With non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main risk is accidentally injecting filler into a blood vessel. This can reduce blood flow and, in rare cases, lead to skin damage or even blindness. While the chance of this happening is less than 1%, it’s serious, which is why it’s so important to go to an experienced medical professional. Dr. De Silva uses techniques that reduce risk, like injecting slowly, using small amounts of filler, and sometimes choosing a blunt-tipped cannula instead of a needle. He also keeps an enzyme called hyaluronidase on hand, which can dissolve the filler immediately in case of emergency. Not every clinic offers this. Surgical rhinoplasty carries its own risks, like infection, scarring, or not being happy with the final result. But when performed by a skilled facial specialist, complications are rare. What About Functionality? If your concerns are more than cosmetic—say, you’ve had an injury, struggle to breathe, or have a deviated septum—non-surgical rhinoplasty won’t help. It simply can't fix internal nasal structures. In these cases, surgery is necessary. A proper exam, which includes looking inside your nose with a small camera, will help identify if your breathing issues are due to a blocked airway or structural defect. Dr. De Silva often combines cosmetic and functional surgery to improve both the appearance and performance of your nose. Recovery Time and Results One of the biggest benefits of non-surgical rhinoplasty is that there’s basically no downtime. You might have a bit of swelling or bruising, but most people return to work or normal activities the same day. Results are visible instantly, although they’ll fade after about a year. Surgical rhinoplasty requires a bit more patience. You’ll likely need a week off work, and while most swelling subsides within the first month, the final shape of your nose may take up to a year to fully settle. That said, the result is long-lasting, often permanent, and you don’t need to keep coming back for top-ups. Cost Considerations Non-surgical rhinoplasty is more affordable in the short term, but keep in mind that it’s not permanent. If you continue getting fillers every year, the costs can quickly add up. Surgical rhinoplasty involves a bigger upfront investment, but the results last for many years or for life. It may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you want a significant change. Which Should You Choose? If you’re still debating between rhinoplasty vs. liquid rhinoplasty, it helps to think about your priorities. Want a quick fix for a minor concern, with no downtime and reversible results? Non-surgical might be your best bet. Need a permanent change, want to reduce size, or fix functional issues? Surgical rhinoplasty is the way to go. Dr. De Silva advises everyone to book a consultation before making a decision. During that time, your nose shape, skin thickness, facial balance, and even your breathing will be carefully assessed. From there, you’ll get personalised advice on which treatment is right for you. Conclusion Choosing between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty is a personal decision, and the best option depends on your goals, anatomy, and expectations. Dr. Julian De Silva is a world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve natural-looking results they love. Book a rhinoplasty consultation today and find out which approach suits you best, because your nose should look and feel just right for you.