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 or a few months before all the swelling is gone. It may even take 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 completely 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 that your body is trying to fix it. Still, you don’t want others to pay more attention to your healing nose than they do to you. To minimize awkward stars, you’ll need some good cosmetics.
First, you can start with a bit of concealer to cover any bruises and incision lines. Concealers are nice and thick, much thicker than foundation, and can basically erase some of the blemishes associated with rhinoplasty. 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 you the look that lasts all day. After applying concealer to bruises and scars, it’s usually best to apply a layer of your usual foundation for a more finished look.
If you have any skin discoloration around the surgery area, color correctors may be your best option. These are specifically designed to hide the unsightly colors that accompany bruises. If you have a yellowish bruise, try a lavender concealer. For redder discolorations, apply green concealer. Make sure to finish with a coat of your own base coat to soften the colors.
There are also ways to disguise 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 give the illusion of a thinner nasal line, camouflaging any temporary fatness or swelling.
Before trying any of these techniques, be sure to get your surgeon’s approval. You’ll usually be allowed to start wearing makeup just a few days after your procedure, but you may need to wait until your stitches are removed to start covering your 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 thoroughly removing makeup with toner and cleansing your face each night. The last thing you want is to inadvertently create an infection in your nose, prolonging the swelling, bruising, and overall recovery period.
With the proper 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 going back to work and moving around in your normal social circles again.