Washing and Makeup After Lifting: Usually After 2-3 Hours

When can I wash my face after lifting?

According to CELITA Clinic's general guidance, gentle face washing is possible from 2 to 3 hours after treatment.

On the day of treatment, wash briefly with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, and avoid rubbing with your palms or using exfoliating products. When drying with a towel, do not rub; press lightly to remove the water.

CELITA Clinic provides this information on aftercare instruction cards in each language, so follow the card you receive after treatment first. Additional precautions may apply depending on the type of treatment.

Can I put on makeup right away?

Like face washing, the general guidance is to apply makeup lightly from 2 to 3 hours after treatment.

When applying foundation or concealer, it is gentler on the skin to pat it on lightly rather than rubbing the treated area hard with a puff. If redness or swelling remains, a thin layer is better than heavy makeup.

The Ultherapy instructions for use state that redness usually resolves within a few hours, and the manufacturer of Thermage explains that redness usually resolves within 24 hours. However, these are device-specific data, and redness may be visible for longer in some people.

What skin care is suitable for the first few days after treatment?

CELITA Clinic recommends a three-step home care routine: gentle cleansing, moisturizing 3 times more thickly than usual, and sunscreen even indoors.

Right after treatment, the skin may feel drier and more sensitive than usual, so moisturizing generously is the basic step. It is sensible to put off harsh products such as scrubs and peeling products until the skin has calmed down.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB, SPF 30 or higher and water resistance, applied about 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied every 2 hours outdoors.

• Avoid: rubbing the treated area, scrubs and exfoliation, washing with hot water
• Do: use a mild cleanser, moisturize generously, protect from UV indoors and outdoors
• Caution: do not scratch after a skin booster even if it itches

Does anything differ depending on the type of treatment?

The basic principles are the same, but treatments involving injection or insertion, such as skin boosters or thread lifts, come with additional instructions.

After a skin booster, temporary small bumps (injection bumps) are described as settling within 1 to 3 days, and you should not scratch them even if they itch. It is better not to apply heavy makeup over the bumps or rub them hard.

After a thread lift, you are advised not to open your mouth wide or laugh broadly for 2 weeks, so it is also better to avoid movements that stretch the face strongly when washing or applying makeup. Visitors from abroad can mention their departure schedule and whether they need makeup on the same day during the consultation, and the treatment can be adjusted with this in mind.

Step by step

1. For 2 to 3 hours after treatment, put off washing and makeup and do not touch the treated area.
2. After 2 to 3 hours, wash briefly with lukewarm water and a mild cleanser.
3. Do not rub with a towel; press lightly to remove the water.
4. Apply moisturizer more thickly than usual.
5. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, and apply a thin layer of makeup if needed.
6. If you see blisters, wounds or severe pain, do not apply makeup and contact the clinic.