Eyelid surgery can reduce the signs of aging and brighten your most noticeable facial feature, helping you to look youthful and refreshed. It is a highly effective surgery; last year, more than 206,000 patients chose this effective procedure to revitalize their looks . 

After a blepharoplasty, many patients are excited to reveal their new, refreshed look, but it is essential to follow all your postoperative care instructions carefully, especially those that pertain to wearing eye makeup.Jumping back into wearing eye makeup too soon after your eyelid surgery can irritate the area around the incisions. You can pull on your skin in the process of applying and removing makeup, which can interfere with healing. And, if some of your makeup makes its way into the healing incisions, you will increase your risk of developing an infection. 

When Can You Start Wearing Eye Makeup After Getting an Eyelid Surgery?

Following post-operative care guidelines ensures that you will have the best possible results from your eyelid surgery, and you will need to wait for a complete recovery to return to wearing eye makeup. We advise allowing your incisions to heal fully before you resume applying makeup, which can take up to two to three weeks. Though you will likely return to work and other routine activities only a few days after your procedure, you can expect it to take a bit longer for the incisions to fully close. You may feel eager to show off the dramatic results of your procedure, but your friends, family, and colleagues will already see a substantial improvement, even without using eye makeup during the first couple of weeks.

Even if your goal is to minimize any lingering bruising, applying eye makeup to eyes that are still healing can cause irritation at best and infection at worst. If you put on makeup too soon after getting eyelid surgery, you also run the risk of the product finding its way into the incisions and getting trapped beneath your dermis, causing any unwanted “tattooing” effect that is still visible after healing. 

Once your incisions have healed and you have been cleared to use eye makeup, take care and be gentle when applying your makeup. It is always a good idea to be cautious when it comes to the delicate skin around your eyes. Gentle application of skin products and makeup ensures that won’t damage your skin by over-stretching and pulling it. 

Our Top Four Tips for Applying Eye Makeup for Blepharoplasty Patients

First, Dr. Amato recommends replacing old products like eyeliner and mascara, since makeup tubes create an ideal hiding spot for bacteria. This is a great chance to update your makeup collection and invest in new products you will love.

Second,  take a look at your makeup’s ingredients. Find all-natural or mineral-based products. Many ingredients found in lower-quality products may cause skin irritation, which can minimize your results in the long run. Read the labels and look for words such as “hypoallergenic” and “safe for sensitive skin.” Another good word to check for is “non-comedogenic,” which means the product will not clog pores.

Third, we recommend that you avoid glittery or “frosted” products, including eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara. Any product that flakes off easily could allow bits of makeup to fall into your incisions while they’re healing.

Finally, when removing your makeup, avoid harsh products like alcohol-based cleaners, which can cause skin irritation and dryness. Instead, try natural cleansers, micellar water, or olive oil. Using gentle motions, be patient with your makeup removal so you can avoid pulling and stretching your skin. 

Eyelid Surgery Can Change How You Put on Makeup

Having both an upper and lower blepharoplasty or an Asian eyelid surgery may make a difference when it comes to how you do your makeup. You can experiment with different looks after having excess skin removed now that you have a smoother eyelid surface. Enhanced definition or the addition of a crease can also provide you with a broader range of options for eyeshadow and eyeliner. 

Dr. Amato can provide you with specific recommendations  regarding your eye makeup, including which types are best for use. . Based on her 20 years of experience and advanced training in eyelid surgery, she will guide you as to when you may begin using  cosmetics after your procedure. Since everyone heals slightly differently, you will ensure your own outstanding results by taking her advice. 

Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation in Austin

As an oculoplastic facial surgeon, Dr. Amato is Austin’s authority on blepharoplasty surgery. She can give you a detailed explanation of what you can expect following eyelid surgery and when you will be able to useeye makeup after your procedure. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Amato at Eyelid & Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, reach out to us online, or call 512-501-1010.