9 Products Plastic Surgeons Recommend After a Facelift

The best products to help you heal.

By Allie Hogan, Associate Beauty Editor · Jan 3, 2022

Following a facelift, you want to do everything you can to maintain the stellar results of the procedure. While you’re recovering, you’ll also need to tend to any wounds left behind post-operation. After spending a pretty penny and investing time into your facelift, you’ll want to use the most effective, doctor-approved products on the market during your recovery. Once your surgeon clears you to resume a skin-care routine—following their post-operative instructions is vital—consider these products top surgeons recommend to their patients after a facelift.

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ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair ($170)

La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Joseph Grzeskiewicz, MD is a big fan of ZO Skin Health’s products “because they are all based on good solid science, and they really work.” He explains that this Radical Night Repair offers similar results as retinoic acid (Retin-A) but is slightly less irritating.

“Retinoids help improve epidermal cell growth and turnover, thicken the dermis, and stimulate increased blood flow in the skin,” making them essential both post-facelift and in your general skin-care regimen,” says Dr. Grzeskiewicz.

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Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar ($195)

Alastin products are the backbone of Campbell, CA plastic surgeon Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD‘s, topical recommendations post-facelift. The topicals “contain Trihex, which is a blend of active peptides and other ingredients that work to clear out damaged elastin and collagen and support the skin’s ability to produce new healthy elastin and collagen,” she explains.

Dr. Zeidler recommends you use this Skin Nectar twice in the weeks before and after your facelift. It reduces redness, calms the skin and helps minimize pigmentation.

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Iridesse Night Nutrient ($130)

“I love Iridesse and use it as a pre and post-treatment protocol in my practice as a routine,” said Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Ruth Hillelson, MD. “The importance of the Genesis Factor in the stimulation of growth factors cannot be over-emphasized.”

If you have dry skin, Dr. Hillelson recommends the Iridesse Night Nutrient twice daily during the two weeks leading up to treatment and then for varying amounts of time post-treatment.

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ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum ($148)

Dr. Grzeskiewicz says this is one of his “personal favorites” in the ZO Skin Health line. “It is not only very effective, but it’s so pleasant to use as it feels and smells great,” says Dr. Grzeskiewicz.

The surgeon explains that the growth factors in the serum help stimulate skin cell and blood vessel growth, boost the formation of collagen and elastin and improve the moisture-retaining compounds in the dermis.

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Alastin Skincare Soothe + Protect Recovery Balm ($40)

If you get any laser treatment in tandem with your facelift, Dr. Zeidler recommends this balm to help hydrate and form a barrier while your skin is healing. She advises putting this on every two hours over the Skin Nectar.

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Iridesse Day Brilliance ($130)

Hillelson says she begins her patients on Iridesse Day Brilliance “within days of treatment.” It contains moisture-building peptides, antioxidants and Genesis Factor.

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Sientra BioCorneum ($40-$100)

For treating any visible scars, Dr. Grzeskiewicz recommends this silicone-based topical gel. As a bonus, it also contains sunscreen to curb hyperpigmentation.

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ISDINceutics Mineral Brush ($55)

Dr. Hillelson says her patients must include sunscreen as part of their routine. Currently, Tizo and Isdin are some of her favorite brands. “I recommend the powdered ISDIN for frequent reapplication during the day given the mask on-mask off situation,” says Dr. Hillelson.

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Alastin Restorative Skin Complex ($195)

“I transition all my patients to this maintenance topical to be applied over each of a morning and evening routine to continue the healing process for a year or more after surgery,” says Dr. Zeidler. She adds that she has used this product herself every day for years. “It helps hydrate and reduce fine lines and makes the skin plumper.”