When & How to Wear Make Up After Nose Job

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is among the most frequently done cosmetic surgeries in both men and women for a variety of reasons.
Like all other types of surgery, rhinoplasty has postoperative indications provided by the specialist and requiring careful adherence during the recovery phase to avoid potential complications.
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is possible to wear makeup after a nose surgery and how long the patient should wait before using cosmetics again, particularly around the nose, to cover subsequent bruises and reach a more pleasant appearance.

Post-rhinoplasty Makeup: Allowed or Prohibited?

Many patients prefer to apply cosmetic products to conceal the bruises around their noses and eyes. Nevertheless, makeup application during the skin recovery phase may increase the risk of infection and delay the process of healing. However, specialists emphasize not to wear makeup until removing bandages and casts.
The doctor will recommend the patients to stop using cosmetic products or other types of makeup, including foundations, blush, bronzers, etc., especially on or around the nose to avoid potential complications such as infection.

Makeup After Open Rhinoplasty

This type of nose job needs at least two months before makeup application. Since this procedure is invasive, makeup should be applied gently with caution and due care, even after the mentioned critical period to prevent inflammation of irritation.
Some specialists recommend waiting for 1-2 months. Many allow makeup application after removal of the stitches but not on the incision location.

Makeup After Closed Rhinoplasty

In this type of nose surgery, the surgeon makes the incision inside the nose, resulting in the absence of external wounds, less swelling, and a shorter recovery period.
Although it may be possible to wear makeup a few days after a nose job, care should be taken not to dampen the nasal area. It is also recommended not to apply pressure around the nose until swellings diminishes.   

Makeup After Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

This procedure does not involve any incisions and stitches, leading to lower risks and side effects. As the recovery phase is also shorter, it is possible to use makeup and skincare 24 hours after nose surgery.

When and How to Wear Makeup After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty or nose job is performed to change the shape of the nose. Patients have rhinoplasty to treat their breathing problems, to change the looks of their nose or for both reasons sometimes.
To obtain the best results, it is necessary to wait for a certain period post-surgery to ensure adequate nose recovery from the surgery. The swelling after nose job can be irritating to some patients, encouraging them to cover it with makeup.

Back to Normal Makeup Post-Rhinoplasty

Naturally, many patients want to use makeup or cosmetic products after a nose job to conceal the bruises and have a more pleasant feeling.
Almost all patients experience bruising and swelling after a nose job. If the patients can tolerate, these unpleasant complications will disappear gradually after 1-2 weeks. If it is not possible to stand bruises, swelling and bruising can be mainly concealed with the application of cosmetics and foundations such as a tinted sunscreen.
Overall, patients can usually wear makeup right away as long as they avoid the operated area. After about two weeks, they can resume wearing eye makeup as well.
However, it is important to avoid getting the cast wet when applying makeup because it may fall before the desired removal time which is 7 days after the nose surgery. The following two main questions need consideration before getting back to a normal makeup routine:

How Long the Nose Fragile After A Nose Job?

The patients show more vulnerability to infections due to the changes to this structure after nose surgery. Bone loss is possible as your bones, cartilage, and tissues around them recover, taking up to a year after rhinoplasty to return to normal conditions.
The healing time will be different based on the patient conditions and characteristics, but most can return to light activity and start their work following about three weeks of the procedure. During the first few weeks, patients should adhere to strict guidelines prescribed by specialists. This is especially true when deciding to wear makeup.

How Strong Is the Nose After Rhinoplasty?

The strength of the nose is not restored until the sensitivity has diminished faster than it has dissipated. Thus, even when the nose is adequately strong, it will still have high sensitivity, requiring care when wearing makeup.

How to Apply Makeup After Rhinoplasty.

Post-rhinoplasty makeup application requires special care because the skin is more sensitive following a nose surgery and needs adequate care to prevent any damage and ensure the best outcomes.
Keep in mind the following important points while applying makeup after a nose job:
Avoid applying makeup on the incision to prevent adverse outcomes.
Remember the nose and areas around it is highly vulnerable following nose surgery, requiring more care when you use makeup in these areas.
Be very careful of the type of makeup you are applying.
Use organic cosmetics instead of chemicals and make sure that the products you use are natural.
Use smooth makeup products.
    Use high-quality cosmetic products because low quality can lead to pore blockage and subsequently infection, skin discoloration, and other complications.
    Choose cosmetic products that do not block the skin pores.
    Avoid heavy powders to ensure proper breathing of the skin.
    Consider the amount of makeup you put on the areas around the nose.
    Avoid pressure because it can lead to more swelling and bruises, prolonging the recovery proves.
    Use clean brushes and pads to avoid infection, pimples, and more scarring.
    Use soap-free cleansers to wash your face.
    Exfoliation should be avoided for at least one month.
    Take into account the renewal of the top skin layer before any chemical peeling, laser, etc.
    Think about the climatic conditions and your activity level before applying makeup.
    Don’t put makeup and creams within 1 cm of the margin of the cast or near your columellar incision.
    Be careful when removing cosmetics from the skin and use a cleansing cloth or eye makeup remover instead of water.

READ MORE: Clean The Nose After Rhinoplasty

Is It Possible to Wear Eye Makeup After Nose Surgery?

There is no certain and clear answer to this question because it depends on the patients' healing process. Some can wear eye makeup soon post a nose job, while others may require to consider a longer waiting time.
Some specialists say that you can use eye makeup the day after nose surgery. The important point is to avoid getting the cast wet over the first week, which can be done by using makeup removal pads.
Some patients experience bruises under the eyes. Remember the best decision is to wait for a week to recover to some extent. However, if it is not possible for any reasons, and you have to conceal the bruises, cover them with concealers.
Yet, as emphasized before, it is important not to come within 1 cm of the margin of the surgery site when applying makeup. When applied, use another way except washing to remove cosmetics from the skin, such as pads to avoid any damage or harm.

How to Wear Makeup in a Safe Manner?

For many women, wearing makeup to enhance beauty is more than a necessity. However, those undergoing rhinoplasty should not wear makeup for a while and need enough caution when doing it after the doctor permits. Therefore, keep the following points in your mind to apply cosmetics safely.
    Use clean brushes because they lower the risk of infection as the incisions recover.
    Apply and remove makeup gently to avoid pressure on the nasal area.
    Avoid powders or foundations because they block skin pores, adversely affecting its ability to breathe and heal properly.
    Clean your face with a wet wipe because wet bandages and sutures increase the risk of infections.
    Avoid water for makeup removal and use remover pads instead.
    Avoid strong perfumes that may irritate your nose or cause sneezing.
    Use high-quality cosmetics to avoid potential skin sensitivity or aggravation of rhinoplasty complications.
    Avoid chemical peeling products for at least three months.

General Makeup Guidelines After nose job

The following general rules of thumb are essential to consider:

Wait until you can wash your face and wear makeup.

You should wait a minimum of 24 hours following rhinoplasty to wash your face and hair, and much more to apply makeup.

Avoid pore-blocking makeup.

You may experience swelling after nose surgery, which can be extremely bothering. Long-wear foundations, powders, and blushes can clog pores, leading to different problems such as swelling, inflammation, infection, etc. Thus, do not wear makeup that will potentially worsen the rhinoplasty complications.

Avoid pressure when applying makeup.

During makeup application and removal, you naturally press your skin, possibly irritating the wound, which subsequently prolongs the recovery process. Be gentle when removing makeup without putting any pressure on the skin.

Stay five millimeters from your sutures when using cosmetics.

Makeup can lead to skin and wound irritation, potentially leading to infection. Thus, keep your makeup at least five millimeters away from your sutures.

Protect your skin from sunlight.

You should avoid direct sunlight exposure, particularly after the cast removal, as the skin shows more sensitivity post nasal surgery. Numbness of the skin around the is a common feeling after rhinoplasty, increasing the risk of it damage or quickly getting sunburned.

Drinking plenty of water contributes more than cosmetics to your beauty

Drinking a lot of water is important for skincare, particularly following cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgeries. Water facilitates removal of anesthesia traces, keeping the skin fresh, healthy, and hydrated.
Along with water, eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can help your body retain the vital vitamins and minerals required to stay healthy.

Quit smoking to heal better from a nose surgery

Smoking post-rhinoplasty leads to more inflammation and increases the possibility of bleeding and swelling. Besides, it results in dull skin and premature aging, adversely affecting the patient's appearance and encouraging the use of more makeup. Giving up smoking in the recovery period of the surgery can facilitate harm prevention and reduce the need for cosmetic products.

Avoid Exposure to Sunlight to ensure a healthier skin after a nose job.

It is a good idea to stay indoors after nose surgery and keep away from the sunlight for a while. Skin sensitivity in the nose area is common, necessitating due care and avoidance from sunlight until complete recovery.
Note that too much exposure to sunlight during the healing process can result in discoloration, infection, and other unexpected complications. It is recommended to apply sunscreen over the nasal region or wear a hat outdoors to protect the nose from sunlight.
Using sunscreen is more effective than any other cosmetic products to ensure better skin care after rhinoplasty.

Take proper post-rhinoplasty skin cleansing into account

Mainly, the surgeons recommend washing the area around the nose covered by splint and plaster bandage. Before removing splint and plaster, avoid moistening the nose.
It is important to use soft and smooth cleaners to reduce skin sensitivity and redness. Possibly, the doctor will recommend cleaning your skin with soap free cleaners or special pads while avoiding pressure. Consider the following items for washing your face:
•    Soap free cleaners
•    Face washing pads
•    Hypoallergenic and fragrance free moisturizers

Avoid strong combinations when you wear makeup

Use face sanitary or cosmetic products which contain smooth combinations after rhinoplasty surgery. Try to prevent face dryness using moisturizing creams and avoid products with active elements, including Alpha hydroxyl acid or Retinoid. Products containing active ingredients lead to skin dryness while stimulating sensitivity against sunlight.
Try to avoid pressing your nose or removing your stitch mark. Removing the stitch mark is tempting, when it is healing. But never do this, because it will be manifested and it increases the possibility of infection.

How Can I Get Rid of Blackheads and Pimples Post-Rhinoplasty?

The increased production of sebum for skin protection and hydration leads to a greasy skin. In such conditions, the face should be washed with regular facewash.
Remember! Overuse of cosmetics will lead to more severe complications and longer recovery than expected.