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Rhinoplasty is one of the safest and generally most satisfying plastic surgeries on the market today. The results can be dramatic and long lasting. However, to get those perfect results, you need to wait several weeks to a few months before all the swelling is gone. It may take even a year for the final product to be revealed. What’s a girl to do in the meantime? Fortunately, there are plenty of camouflage cosmetics on the market that can help hide any bruising and discoloration until the nose is fully healed.
The most common side effects of rhinoplasty are swelling, bruising, discoloration, and the presence of incision scars. These are natural results of the surgery and are the body’s way of telling you that something traumatic has just happened and your body is trying to fix it. Still, you don’t want others to pay more attention to your healing nose than to you. In order to minimize the awkward stars, you will need some good cosmetics.
First, you can start with a bit of concealer to cover bruises and incision lines. Concealers are nice and thick, much thicker than foundation, and can basically erase some of the rhinoplasty-related blemishes. Make sure you find one that closely matches your skin color and is hypoallergenic to avoid further irritating your skin. Also choose a concealer that is waterproof to give yourself the look that lasts all day. After applying concealer to bruises and scars, it’s usually best to layer your usual foundation for a more finished presentation.
If you have any skin discoloration around the surgery area, color correcting may be your best option. These are specifically designed to hide the unsightly colors that accompany bruising. If you have a yellowish bruise, try a lavender concealer. For redder discolorations, apply green concealer. Be sure to finish with a coat of your own base to soften the colors.
There are also ways to hide the swelling that will usually last a few weeks. A common technique is to use different shades of foundation to create contours or highlights and shadows. If you want your puffy nose to look narrower, apply a strip of foundation two shades lighter than usual to the center of your nose. Then apply strips of foundation that are two shades darker than usual along the sides of the nose. Mix them the best you can. This should produce the illusion of a thinner nasal line, camouflaging any temporary puffiness or swelling.
Before trying any of these techniques, be sure to get your surgeon’s approval. Typically, you will be allowed to start wearing makeup only a few days after your procedure, but you may need to wait until your stitches are removed to begin covering the incision lines. When you start wearing makeup again, make sure your applicators are clean and your products are non-greasy and hypoallergenic. Be consistent and diligent in completely removing makeup with toner and cleansing your face every night. The last thing you want is to inadvertently create an infection in your nose, prolonging swelling, bruising, and the overall recovery period.
With the right knowledge and application, makeup can be a very effective tool in helping you look your best, right after your rhinoplasty procedure. Camouflage cosmetics can allow you to feel comfortable returning to work and moving back into your normal social circles.