Thinking about wearing make up after facial plastic surgery? It’s totally normal to want to feel like yourself again — but your skin needs time to heal first.
Dr. Andres Bustillo, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, shares simple, helpful advice on how to care for your skin after surgery. From knowing when it’s safe to use makeup to picking the right products, taking the right steps now will help you heal well and look your best later.
When Can I Start Wearing Makeup After Facial Plastic Surgery?
You should wait about 2 weeks after facial plastic surgery before wearing makeup. This gives your skin time to heal and helps avoid irritation or infection.
In the meantime:
- Skip makeup right after surgery.
- Be gentle with your skin—use mild, fragrance-free products.
- Use sunscreen if you go outside.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions—they know what’s best for your recovery.
Taking it slow helps you heal better and look your best later on.
After a Plastic Surgery
Recovering from facial plastic surgery procedures involves knowing the healing stages, each requiring specific care for optimal outcomes.
Immediately after any procedure, managing swelling and protecting incision sites is crucial. Gentle cleansing and the use of recommended products can aid in the healing of incisions. As the procedure’s effects become more evident, adjusting activities and skincare routines can further support healing.
For a facelift procedure, it’s essential to minimize tension in incision areas to reduce visible scarring. Each aesthetic procedure, including facelifts, follows its unique healing timeline. Adhering to post-operative guidelines is key to ensuring incisions heal properly and minimizing the risk of complications.
What Kind of Moisturizer Should I Use After Facial Surgery?
After cosmetic surgery, your skin is super sensitive — so picking the right moisturizer really matters.
Here’s what to look for:
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores)
- Fragrance-free and gentle
- Lightweight, with little to no oils
- Labeled for sensitive skin or post-procedure care
These types of moisturizers help your skin heal without causing breakouts or irritation. Skip anything heavy, oily, or with strong smells — those can be too harsh while you’re healing.
Is Mineral Makeup Safe to Use After Surgery?
Yes — mineral makeup is a good option after facial surgery, especially once your doctor gives the go-ahead (usually after 2 weeks).
Why it’s a smart pick:
- It’s light and gentle on healing skin
- Often comes without harsh ingredients or preservatives
- Usually sold as loose powder, which is easier to apply softly
- Look for labels like “hypoallergenic” and “for sensitive skin”
If mascara irritates your eyes, try a clear lash gel instead — it gives you a clean, natural look without the chemicals.
How Can I Keep My Skin Clean While Healing?
When it comes to maintaining an environment that promotes healing, it is important to keep incision sites clean and free from bacteria over time. This means avoiding contact with the area and not using any products on the incision that may cause irritation or infection. When applying makeup, make sure you use a sterile brush or sponge and avoid touching the incision with your fingers. Maintaining everything clean is key for optimal post-operative care and recovery.
How Should I Apply Makeup Without Harming My Healing Skin?
Instead of rubbing and tugging on the skin around incision sites from facial surgery, try using a gentle patting motion with a sponge or brush. This will help to ensure that no bacteria is introduced into the area and that you’re not putting too much pressure on the delicate skin. Additionally, try to wait at least two weeks post-surgery before applying makeup to the area to allow enough time for healing.
How Do I Safely Remove Makeup After Surgery?
Extra caution should be taken when removing makeup from the face after facial plastic surgery. For best results, use a gentle makeup remover specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Avoid rubbing and tugging on incision sites, as this can cause infection or irritation. Instead, use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and lightly dab away the makeup until it is all removed. Never scrub your face, and make sure not to pull on any healing skin around incision sites.
Eye makeup removal can be problematic for post-blepharoplasty patients because of the product used to free the skin of cosmetics and the force of motions during the process. Using a natural makeup remover or gentle cloth may be recommended, and special care should be taken during this routine.
Questions about your procedure?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andres Bustillo.
Why Is Sun Protection Important After Facial Plastic Surgery?
It’s important to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher after surgery to protect your healing skin. Make sure you choose a product that suits your skin type.
Staying in the shade and wearing protective clothes can also help reduce the risk of sun damage.
Keeping your skin safe from the sun is crucial to protect facelift results and to preserve the good outcomes of your surgery.
How Can I Take Care of My Skin and Feel Confident After Surgery?
After facial plastic surgery, it is crucial to take care of your appearance with confidence and the right skincare routine. Incorporate skin care products that cater to your skin’s new needs.
Using makeup can boost your confidence and enhance the outcomes of your surgery. However, it’s essential to choose suitable products:
- Avoid heavy makeup during the healing phase, as it can be harsh on your skin.
- When removing makeup at night, opt for gentleness to prevent irritation.
- Oil cleansers are preferable over makeup wipes for removing makeup. They are less abrasive, thus helping to avoid irritation.
Consistently following these steps is essential for maintaining your surgical results and being happy with your appearance.
Talk with Dr. Bustillo
To learn more about pre- and post-operative facial plastic surgery care, as well as facelift and eyelid surgery, call board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bustillo’s Coral Gables, Florida office today at (305) 663-3380. It is during this call that you have the opportunity to schedule a consultation with one of the few facial plastic surgery specialists in the Miami area.
