Recovering from surgery can feel overwhelming, but caring for your healing skin doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve had a facelift, neck lift, or body contouring, the right post-surgery products can ease discomfort, protect scars, and help your results last. In Australia’s sun, harsh products or skipped sunscreen can undo progress—so we’ve gathered trusted, gentle options like hydrating creams, scar gels, and mineral sunscreens available here.
Why Post-Surgery Skin Care is Essential
1. Promotes Healing
After surgery, your skin needs gentle support to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. Specialised post-surgery products, like fragrance-free cleansers and ceramide-rich moisturisers, calm redness and accelerate cell regeneration. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid boost hydration, while antioxidants like vitamin C protect delicate healing skin.
Avoid harsh exfoliants or active ingredients until cleared by your surgeon. Consistent care ensures faster recovery and smoother texture and minimises discomfort during the initial healing phase.
2. Protects Surgical Results
Post-surgery skin is vulnerable to sun damage and dehydration, which can dull results. Daily SPF 50+ sunscreen prevents UV-induced scarring and hyperpigmentation, while medical-grade silicone gels flatten and soften scars over time. Hydrating serums and collagen-boosting creams (with peptides or retinoids) maintain elasticity, ensuring your rejuvenated contours stay defined. Protecting your skin barrier with gentle products preserves the surgeon’s work, helping you retain a refreshed, natural appearance for years.
3. Prevents Complications
Neglecting post-op care increases the risk of infection, thickened scars, or delayed healing. Antibacterial ointments and sterile dressings shield incisions from bacteria, while lukewarm water and mild soap keep the area clean.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, which impair circulation, and follow your surgeon’s guidelines for scar massage or silicone sheets. Proper skincare reduces complications, ensuring a smooth recovery and long-term satisfaction with your results.
Best Products for Post-Surgery Skin Care
Below, you’ll find trusted product recommendations (available in Australia) to keep your post-surgery skin happy, healthy, and glowing.
Gentle Cleansers
After surgery, your skin is fragile and needs gentle care. Opt for mild, fragrance-free cleansers like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which cleans without stripping moisture, or QV Face Gentle Cleanser, known for its hydrating properties. These formulas maintain your skin’s natural pH balance, preventing irritation.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser is another excellent choice, enriched with ceramides and glycerin to soothe dryness. Avoid harsh scrubs or active ingredients until your surgeon confirms it’s safe. Consistent use of these cleansers keeps healing skin clean and calm, reducing the risk of complications like redness or sensitivity.
Healing Ointments
Hydration is key to repairing surgical incisions. Cetaphil Healing Ointment creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and accelerate wound healing, while La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 combines panthenol and madecassoside to soothe irritation.
For a basic yet effective option, white petroleum jelly minimises dryness without clogging pores. Apply these products as directed during the first few weeks to keep skin supple and reduce scabbing. Always follow your surgeon’s advice on when to transition to lighter moisturisers.
Sun Protection
Post-surgery skin is highly prone to sun damage, which can darken scars and delay healing. Cancer Council Face Day Wear SPF 50+ offers broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is ideal for sensitive skin. Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide, provides gentle UV defense without irritation.
Apply sunscreen daily, even indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows. Reapply every two hours if outdoors. This step is non-negotiable for preserving results and preventing hyperpigmentation.
Scar Reduction Treatments
Minimising scars requires patience and the right products. Dermatix Ultra Scar Gel, clinically proven to soften and flatten scars, is a top pick. ScarAway Silicone Sheets apply gentle pressure to reduce redness and thickness over time.
For a natural approach, Biostem Skin Cream combines botanicals like Centella Asiatica with medical-grade silicones. Start these treatments only after incisions fully close, typically around 4–6 weeks post-op. Consistent use for 3–6 months yields the best results.
Soothing Serums & Creams
Once your skin heals, introduce serums to enhance recovery. ASAP Super C Complex brightens skin with stabilised vitamin C, boosting collagen and protecting against environmental stress. SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream targets neck-specific concerns like sagging with peptides and antioxidants. Always patch-test new products and wait for your surgeon’s approval before use. These formulas help maintain a radiant, even complexion long-term.
Cooling & Hydration
Swelling and dryness are common post-surgery challenges. Thursday Plantation Aloe Vera Gel provides instant cooling relief with pure aloe vera, reducing inflammation. Avene Thermal Spring Water Spray soothes redness and refreshes skin without rubbing, making it ideal for tender areas. Use these products during the initial weeks to keep skin hydrated and comfortable.
Barrier Repair
Strengthening your skin’s natural defense is crucial. AESTURA Atobarrier 365 Cream uses ceramides and cholesterol to rebuild moisture, while CeraVe Healing Ointment reinforces the skin barrier without greasiness. These products are gentle enough for daily use and help prevent irritation from environmental stressors.
Avoid retinoids or exfoliants for at least 4–6 weeks. Once cleared, gently massage scars with Sukin Rosehair Oil to improve texture. Always consult your surgeon before changing your routine. With consistent care, your results will stay fresh and natural.
Post-Surgery Skin Care Tips
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice
Your surgeon’s instructions are tailored to your procedure, skin type, and healing pace. This includes how to clean incisions, when to apply ointments, and timelines for resuming activities. Ignoring guidance—like skipping prescribed antibiotics or overexerting too soon—risks infection or delayed healing. For example, Dr. Kevin Ho recommends specific scar massage techniques and silicone gel application windows. Keep follow-up appointments to catch issues early and adjust care as needed.
2. Be Gentle with Your Skin
Healing skin is delicate—avoid scrubbing, harsh exfoliants, or hot water. Use lukewarm water and soft microfiber cloths to pat (not rub) incisions dry. Skip active ingredients (retinoids, acids) until cleared, usually 4–6 weeks post-op. Opt for fragrance-free products like QV Cream to avoid irritation. Gentle care reduces redness, prevents accidental trauma, and ensures scars heal smoothly.
3. Stay Hydrated
Hydration supports cell repair and flushes toxins. Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily, and incorporate hydrating foods like cucumber or watermelon. For skin, use hyaluronic acid serums (once incisions close) to lock in moisture. Dehydration slows healing, causing dryness or tightness around scars. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which dehydrate and impair circulation.
4. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
UV rays worsen scarring and hyperpigmentation, especially on fresh incisions. For the first 6 months, use SPF 50+ zinc sunscreen (e.g., Cancer Council) daily, even indoors. Wear wide-brimmed hats and UPF 50+ clothing outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours if swimming or sweating. Dr. Ho advises patients to avoid peak sun hours (10 AM–4 PM) during early recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Kevin Ho for Comprehensive Care?
Dr. Kevin Ho, a FRACS-certified plastic surgeon with over 16 years of expertise, combines advanced surgical precision with a commitment to natural, patient-centered results. Trained in leading global institutions and specialising in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Ho tailors each procedure—from facelifts to breast reconstruction—to your unique anatomy and goals.
- Safety and Expertise: Operating exclusively in accredited hospitals (Prince of Wales, St. Luke’s, Sydney Children’s), Dr. Ho prioritises safety through rigorous pre-surgical assessments and collaboration with board-certified anesthesiologists. His techniques, like SMAS facelifts and platysmaplasty, address deeper tissues for lasting, subtle enhancements—never an overdone look.
- Personalised Post-Surgery Support: Your recovery is guided by a bespoke plan, including medical-grade scar care, hydration strategies, and sun protection (SPF 50+ recommendations). Dr. Ho’s team provides 24/7 support, ensuring incisions heal smoothly and results endure. Clinically proven products like silicone gels and hypoallergenic sunscreens are curated for Australian conditions.
- Ethical, Trusted Care: Beyond the operating room, Dr. Ho trains future surgeons as Director of Plastic Surgery Training and volunteers with Interplast, offering reconstructive care in underserved regions. His 4.8/5 patient ratings reflect a dedication to transparency, ethical practice, and outcomes that restore confidence.
Protect and Beautifully Sustain Your Results
Your surgery journey deserves thoughtful aftercare to preserve its transformative effects. Dr. Kevin Ho, an FRACS-certified plastic surgeon, creates personalised post-surgery plans combining medical-grade scar treatments, sun protection strategies, and hydration routines tailored to Australian conditions.
With 16+ years’ expertise, he guides you through each step—selecting silicone gels to minimise scars, recommending gentle SPF 50+ sunscreens, and advising on collagen-boosting serums once healed. Whether you’ve had a neck lift, facelift, or body contouring, Dr. Ho’s team offers ongoing support to ensure your results stay fresh and natural.
Book a post-op consultation with Dr. Ho today. Invest in lasting beauty with care designed for you.
Dr. Kevin Ho – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Kevin Ho is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. His expertise includes breast surgery, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and skin cancer reconstruction, delivering tailored solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Renowned for his precision and patient-centred approach, Dr Ho combines advanced surgical techniques with a commitment to achieving natural, lasting results. He is dedicated to ongoing education and innovation, ensuring his practice remains at the forefront of modern plastic surgery.
With a reputation for excellence and a compassionate manner, Dr Kevin Ho is a trusted name in plastic surgery, helping patients regain confidence and improve their quality of life.
