After Cosmetic Surgery: Covering the Bruises
Your cosmetic surgery is over. You've been healing for a week or so and by now, you might even have your stitches out. Now it's time to get back to normal.
But what about your appearance? Although the cosmetic
surgery or procedure will improve your look in the long term, you still have to
get past the initial trauma to your body -- things like incision scars, bruising, discoloration or swelling.
It takes time, but that doesn't mean you have to hide in
your house while it all goes away. It could take months, after all, for your appearance to reflect your cosmetic surgery's purpose.
The Three C's
Camouflage make-up can serve many purposes, depending on your personal situation.
- Contour to hide the swelling
- Concealing bruises and lines from incisions
- Color correction to tone
down skin that appears red (such as after a chemical peel ) or yellow (from
that bruise that's healing)
Here Are Some Key
Tips on How to Proceed With Such Make-Up
- Take inventory at home. You may have make-up at home already that can be part of your camouflaging routine, such as liquid foundation or loose powder.
- Timing is everything.
Don't start too soon after surgery because camouflage cosmetics can cause
problems if applied too soon. Your doctor can instruct you on what type of
cosmetics to use and when you can start applying them. For instance, if you
have incisions, you will have to wait until your stitches are removed and the
wound heals before you can start using this make-up.
- Watch the ingredients. There are special cosmetics that are thicker than everyday make-up, which can be used under your regular foundation if foundation is part of your basic beauty routine. If you are choosing the make-up yourself, make sure it is fragrance free and hypoallergenic.
- Cleanse carefully. Every
night, be sure to properly cleanse your face, removing all traces of any
make-up. Certain camouflage cosmetics may require different types of cleansers
for proper removal. Make sure you understand exactly what will be required to
remove it all. Proper make-up removal should be part of your basic routine
everyday anyway, but it's especially important if you're using heavier
camouflage make-up.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department
of Dermatology.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson , MD, Sept. 2003.
Portions of this page ©
The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.
Last Editorial Review: 1/31/2005 7:06:11 AM
