All patients should expect some bruising after surgery . It is part of the body’s natural response during healing.
The amount of bruising each person experiences is unique and varies from person to person. And no matter how much bruising you experience personally, it will gradually fade over time.
But sometimes those bruises are still there when you are ready to head back to work or out into the world. If you’re looking for a way to conceal your bruises, find out how makeup might be the solution for you.
What to Expect From Bruising Post-Surgery
No one likes the look of bruises, especially when they’re on the delicate, prominent, visible areas of the face. Although your surgery will likely cause far less pain than you thought it would, it may look as bad or worse than expected — especially during the first few days post-surgery.
Every patient has his or her own unique experience with surgery, so your recovery could include mild or moderate bruising in varied colors and locations. While it may be discouraging at first, remember that bruises show that healing is taking place.
How to Know Which Makeup Is Right for You
When patients are ready to get back to their daily routines, and some bruising is still lingering, the best ways to cover them up is with makeup customized to meet your unique needs. Post-surgical bruises will need some good quality makeup, not just the first powder you find at the pharmacy. It should be a light and liquid-based. (Sephora has several that are recommended .)
You’ll want to find the right formula, consistency and thickness, and tone to suit your skin after your facelift surgery. A shade different from your skin will stand out and appear fake. The makeup you choose should easily adhere to the smooth skin of scar tissue. It should also be a hypoallergenic formula designed for sensitive skin without fragrance, dyes, or pore-clogging ingredients. If you normally have sensitive skin, extra care should go into choosing the right formula for your post-surgical use.
How to Use Makeup to Conceal Bruising
When you’re ready to apply your makeup, keep a few tips in mind:
- Apply your products with foam wedges to get the smoothest, most natural look.
- Pay close attention to where you have applied your makeup. And make sure it is distributed as evenly as possible.
- Begin with a thin layer of makeup, then build your coverage as needed. It is much easier to add product than to remove it later.
- Be willing to try different formulas if the first makeup you try does not work the way you want it to. There are many formulas available to suit many preferences.
Conceal Scarring With Makeup
After the bruising has subsided you might still need to cover up post-surgical scarring. While it is okay to eventually cover these areas, you don’t want to risk infection by using makeup too early.
Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about when you are able to start using makeup safely, so you don’t risk unwanted complications. After you are able to use makeup, take note of any redness, itching, or irritation on your skin. If this occurs, stop use right away and talk to your facial plastic surgeon about it.
Again, make sure you are using the right kind of makeup formula that easily adheres to scar tissue. Or your makeup will slide right off, leaving it exposed.
Get The Best Results Concealing With Makeup
Discuss any concerns you have about bruising and the healing process with your facial plastic surgeon. For best cover-up results, spend some time before your facelift surgery with a trained beautician or licensed esthetician discussing your options. A professional will be able to match your skin tone as closely as possible. They can also show you the most effective techniques to apply your makeup.
Contact Dr. Bustillo and Schedule Your Facial Reconstructive Consultation
Dr. Andres Bustillo, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a facial plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge, experience, and outstanding qualifications. He is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery (ABOto) — one of a select few double board certified facial plastic surgeons. As a facial specialist, he does not treat any other area of the body. This specialization allows him to get the best results for patients with a wide range of facial shapes, features, and skin types. He is always on the cutting edge of the latest advancements.
Dr. Bustillo has built his reputation as someone who produces natural, long-lasting results. Over 50 percent of his practice is dedicated to rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. The rest is devoted to other types of facial rejuvenation surgery. He performs over 300 nasal surgeries a year. Twenty-five percent of his patients come from outside the United States. Twenty percent of his patients are other doctors and their families.
He and his team can be contacted by phone at 305-663-3380 or by email through the contact form. The office of Dr. Bustillo is here to answer your questions, and help you to plan your initial consultation. You can also directly contact our patient care coordinator, Jessica, by email. Dr. Bustillo is committed to total patient care and support through his practice based just south of Miami, in beautiful and historic Coral Gables, Florida.
