Imagine this scenario: You have recently undergone eyelid surgery and are eager to show off your stunning new look. What better way to draw attention to your rejuvenation than with the power of makeup? You may think your eyes are healed enough following surgery to apply makeup, but before you go diving into those makeup palettes, take a minute to read our answer to the question, “How long after eyelid surgery can I wear makeup?”.

 

How Long After Eyelid Surgery Can I Wear Makeup?

Following any oculofacial plastic surgery, the skin in and around the surgical site is going to be exceptionally vulnerable. Keeping the area clean and free of dirt, oil, and nonnatural substances is a key component to successful post-operative care. A build-up of these substances can lead to infection and visible scarring. To avoid such complications and get the best answer for how long after eyelid surgery you can wear makeup, you should consult with your plastic surgeon. Be sure to follow your treatment plan and post-operative care instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.

 

Factors That Influence Post-Operative Makeup Use

The timeline for makeup use following surgery can vary drastically. The range of timelines generally depends on how your body heals, the type of surgery you undergo, and any specific changes or nuances to your unique surgical experience. Specifically, your timeline will depend on:

1. Healing Rate: The healing process is a unique experience for everyone. Things like age, overall health, lifestyle, and any underlying conditions all significantly impact the rate of healing.
2. Type of eyelid surgery: Another significant indicator of healing time is the type of blepharoplasty you are undergoing. Whether you choose a double, upper, or lower blepharoplasty will impact the healing process. Your surgeon will offer realistic expectations regarding your healing and when you can resume all normal activities.
3. Surgeon-related specifics: The surgeon performing your surgery influences the rate of healing. Their skill level and techniques create unique factors for consideration.

Regardless of these factors, your surgeon will advise waiting a sufficient period that allows the eyelids to heal without risk of complication.

 

Things to Note: Post-Operative Makeup Application

1. Be sure to consult with your surgeon and get the green light before applying anything that is not in your post-operative instructions.
2. If you have sensitive skin, consider giving your eyes additional time to heal before applying makeup.
3. Once given the go-ahead from your surgeon, avoid going for a full face of makeup right off the bat. Reintroduce beauty products one at a time and begin with lighter, non-irritating products. Consider avoiding heavy products so you do not add undue weight to the healing area.
4. Choosing a few high-quality products will be more beneficial than having a large selection of mid- to low-quality products. Focus on quality products that prioritize gentle ingredients that will not irritate your surgical site.
5. Avoid harsh chemicals and potential irritants. Check the ingredients in your beauty products before applying them. Ensure they do not contain any harsh substances or products that may aggravate your eyelids and harm the healing process.
6. Avoid eyeliner and mascara if possible. If you cannot go without them, choose water-based products that are not waterproof. Waterproof products require more aggressive removal techniques.

 

Application Tips

1. Gentle application and removal of beauty products. Any application and removal of products on or around the surgical site must be done with a gentle touch and slow motions.
2. Soft tools, such as fluffy-bristled brushes and soft beauty blenders, will be your go-to applicators.
3. Less is more. During the initial reintroduction of your beauty routine, keep it simple. Minimal is the target. Until complete healing has been achieved, opt for the fewest eye products.

 

Potential Complications of Early Makeup Application

Applying eye cream or mascara too soon after eyelid surgery can have devastating consequences, negatively impacting the final results.

1. Applying makeup during active healing can compromise healing. Makeup brushes, makeup, and other beauty products are harbors for bacteria.
2. When introduced, the bacteria multiply and cause infection at the surgical site. This infection can cause visible scarring, prolonged healing, and impact desired outcomes.
3. Following surgery, the area is going to be more sensitive than usual and may become irritated or inflamed if you apply makeup.
4. Added pressure and friction can shift and mold the underlying healing tissue. This alteration can affect how your eyelids look once they have healed.

 

Protect Your Eyes

Makeup is widely popular, and millions of people use it daily. While it may be tempting to dive headfirst into that new makeup you bought specifically to complement your new eyelids, give your eyes time to heal before layering on beauty products. Your eyes will thank you, and you will be glad you did when those revitalized eyes have healed beautifully.

If you want to start the journey to a rejuvenated eyelid appearance, contact Chicago Oculofacial Consultants to get started.