We’ve seen it time and time again – after our patients have blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), they want to show off their beautiful, new results. Because their eyes are less puffy, with no skin drooping or undereye circles, they can’t wait to draw attention to their rejuvenated look. But after this operation, we warn our patients to resume applying eye makeup only after getting clearance from the surgeon. Using makeup prematurely can impede healing and undermine the final results of the surgery.
The best way to hide any bruising or swelling after your eyelid surgery is to wear your favorite sunglasses. These shades will be more than a fashion statement. They will protect your wounds from the sun and conceal any after-effects visible during the initial stage of your recovery. After the incisions begin to heal, board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Matt Hershcovitch will advise you on the best time to resume applying makeup for going back to work or attending social events. Here in this post, we provide some helpful hints on when and how to apply eye makeup after blepharoplasty.
When Can I Resume Eye Makeup?
Most women who’ve chosen to undergo blepharoplasty ask this question. Though you may not be excited to hear it, the answer is usually not right after surgery when most of the swelling and bruising is apparent. During your recovery, you should rest and keep the incisions clean for at least two weeks after your operation.
It may seem tempting to hide the temporary side-effects of surgery, but makeup can negatively influence the healing process and damage your results. Infection or irritation is possible as complications from makeup can impair the healing process and affect your desired results.
There are no rules written in stone concerning when to apply makeup because patient recovery times can vary. This fact is why it’s so important to follow the specific instructions of Dr. Hershcovitch concerning eye makeup. During your follow up appointments, he will assess your recovery progress to determine when it’s the best time to resume applying makeup. Until he gives you the okay, be patient. And, when you are ready to resume using eye makeup, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Natural Products
Although several cosmetic products claim 100 percent natural ingredients and safe for all skin types, this boast may not always be true. If your prior brand of makeup was natural and did not cause irritation, it will probably be the best choice for you. Look for products marked “hypoallergenic” or “noncomedogenic,” as these are the least likely to cause skin irritations to skin that is newly healed.
Whether you will be trying new products or sticking with the same mascara you’ve always used, you should consider replacing all of your eye makeup after surgery. Mascara, especially, provides a haven for bacterial growth, and you definitely want to avoid any possibility of infection. Plus, it can be fun to update your makeup collection to go with your updated eyelids. You may even want to experiment with new styles of makeup now that your lids will provide a better palette.
Eye Makeup Application
Once you get the okay from Dr. Hershcovitch to resume wearing eye makeup, remember to be gentle with your eyes. In the beginning, as you resume applying makeup, less is more initially. Using a light touch with a thin base coat of foundation that matches your skin tone is a safe bet. If Dr. Hershcovitch approves, you can add some eye shadow to enhance the effect. Don’t over-do it, and avoid mascara until your recovery is complete.
Next Step
If you are considering blepharoplasty or any other aesthetic improvement in the Westlake or Burbank area, schedule a consultation with us today.
