When to Use Make-up after Facial Plastic Surgery

Because of the reduction in the severity of certain side effects after plastic surgery, including pain and fatigue, many patients feel ready to return to their normal routines quickly. In patients that have undergone breast augmentation, liposuction, or other body contouring procedures, any signs of recent surgery can be concealed with clothing. But for patients who have undergone facial plastic surgery, bruising and swelling is not as easy to cover up. Many patients use make-up, including concealer, foundation, and powder to mask post-surgical side effects. However, patients should not use make-up in the days immediately following surgery.

Why Should Make-up Be Avoided after Surgery?

The use of make-up and other facial products should be avoided for a few days after surgery, especially in the area around the surgical incisions. If skin care or make-up products seep into the incisions, it could increase the risk of infection after facial plastic surgery. In addition, the pressure that is exerted on the skin when facial products are applied could delay healing of the incision or cause it to re-open. Quick and smooth healing of the incision will greatly reduce the appearance of surgical scars and help patients avoid complications.

How Long Until Use of Make-up Can Be Resumed?

The amount of time that you should wait before applying make-up to the area near the incisions depends upon the individual patient rate of healing, but seven to 14 days should be sufficient. Patients will want to wait until the incision has closed before resuming the use of skin care products. During your initial post-surgical exam, Dr. Crawford will check the incisions to make sure they are healing and give you a better approximation of when you can start wearing make-up near the incision site. 

Can I Use Make-up On Other Areas of the Face?

Patients can wear make-up on an area other than that which was operated on. However, it is important to avoid touching the incision area, and to wash your hands afterwards to avoid any contamination of the healing wound.

Patients that undergo rhinoplasty often experience some bruising under the eyes; patients can apply some cover-up to the under eye area since rhinoplasty incisions are made in the nose or the columella.

However, it is best that patients avoid all use of facial products, if possible, after facial plastic surgery. The days following surgery are best spent recovering in a calm and clean environment. Since patients should avoid sun exposure after facial surgery, staying home and resting sans make-up should be your goal. Prior to your surgical appointment, Dr. Crawford recommends that you pick up any items that you need to stay comfortable during your recovery; this includes everything from food to entertainment.

At Crawford Plastic Surgery, each member of our staff is committed to helping patients enjoy an uneventful and speedy plastic surgery recovery period. We invite you to contact our practice to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Crawford; he will educate you on your desired procedure and offer tips to help you obtain excellent results.