Postoperative Cosmetics

POSTOPERATIVE COSMETICS

The objective after surgery is to enhance the cosmetic surgeon's work by the proper application of makeup, which is natural, yet fashionable, for you, the cosmetic postoperative surgery patient.

The use of cosmetics to improve or create a stylized facial image goes back many centuries. The purpose of makeup is to enhance ones appearance or to create the illusion of beauty. The face itself cannot be changed with makeup, but its appearance, or the illusion of a new appearance can be changed.

When Makeup Can Be Applied Postoperatively-

FACELIFT
Once you have had a facelift,
it should appear lifted with
an illusion of brightness and
well being. Makeup can be
applied as soon as suture are
out, approximately seven days
postoperatively, or when
swelling is gone, staying well
away from incision lines.

BLEPHAROPLASTY
Following eyelid surgery,
makeup may be applied to the
eyes between three and five
days after surgery. Stay away
from incision lines. There
are instructions to camouflage
purple coloration, etc.

After surgery postoperative skin care is important to avoid the damaging effect of sun exposure. Expert aestheticians help with camouflaging techniques as wounds heal and bruises fade.

CHEMICAL PEEL, DERMABRASION
After the crust has completely come off, usually within seven
to 10 days postoperatively, cosmetic camouflage is an important part of skin resurfacing. Skillfully used cosmetics allow you to return to normal activity quickly.

RHINOPLASTY/NASAL SURGERY
After removal of the cast, the skin of the nose may be cleansed with a mild soap or cleansing cream. You will notice, perhaps, some whiteheads which need to be
attended to by your physician. Be gentle. Be careful not to press with too much pressure. Do not use too much pressure around the nose. Makeup can be used as soon as the bandages are removed.

POSTOPERATIVE SKIN CARE
1.Wash with soap, using tepid water and a C-sponge. The soap should be a glycerin-based soap, which will rinse off, leaving no residue. Some of the types of this soap are Neutrogena, Purpose, and Pears. Tepid water Is used so the pores of
the skin will not be shocked by drastic temperature variances. A C-sponge is ideal for cleansing, since it is soft, holds soap well, and has a delicate texture.

2. Rinse with tepid water to remove residue.

3. Next, it will be important to condition and moisturize the skin. Moisturizers should be comparable with your base makeup. If you use a skin freshener, be sure it does riot have alcohol or acetone base.

SUNSCREEN
A scar matures over a period of six months to a year, and you do not want to stress the scar as it matures. Even a mild sunburn can cause swelling, to which scar tissue might react unfavorably. A sunscreen will only filter rays A & B, therefore, you must wear a base color, which will block what cannot be filtered. Your sunscreen should be wash-off resistant, be immediately effective, have a sun protection factor as high as can be tolerated, and compatible with your cosmetics, which means it should be of a lotion base and not an alcohol base. Total Ellipse and Supershade 15 are two which fulfil this criterion. A sunscreen is of ultimate importance to protect new skin for a maximum of six months to a year after skin resurfacing. This will minimize the likelihood of pigment changes. If the skin starts to pigment, notify your physician immediately, as a special medication can be given to change the pigmentation. Makeup is wonderful in that it allows so much room for individuality and experimentation. The weeks of hiding after cosmetic surgery are no longer necessary. A very important factor to remember when applying makeup after surgery is that at any indication of irritation or reaction, the product application should be discontinued.

Listed below are some steps to follow, which will aid in your personal beauty care.

1.    Cleanse, condition, and protect your skin.

2.    Match a color base to hide discolorations and apply.

3.    Match foundation and apply: