BASICS: CAMOUFLAGE COSMETICS: MAKEUP TECHNIQUES FOLLOWING PLASTIC SURGERY

Most people are eager to return to work and social activities after plastic surgery. How quickly you do so depends on two factors: how you feel and how you look. Your surgeon will let you know when it's physically safe to resume your normal activities. But only you can decide how comfortable you feel with the way you look.

Almost everyone has some temporary cosmetic side effects from plastic surgery, such as swelling, bruising or visible incision marks. It may be days, weeks or even months before these signs disappear and you can fully appreciate the results of your surgery. But there's no need to sit at home and wait. There are a variety of makeup products and techniques that can be used by men, women and teens to camouflage the temporary side effects of surgery and help you face the world with confidence and ease.

Here we will introduce you to the kinds of products available and show you how to use them to your best advantage. It may take some practice. But the skills you learn now will serve you well right after surgery and in the long term, helping you to enhance the permanent effects of your cosmetic surgery.

It's best to ask you surgeon's advice before you start using camouflage cosmetics. Most people can begin applying makeup to cover bruising or disguise swelling as early as a day or two after surgery. If you want to hide incision lines, you'll need to wait until the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed.

After nose surgery, you can normally use makeup as soon as the cast is removed. With a chemical peel or dermabrasion, if a crust has formed you'll need to wait until it's completely gone.

You may use special camouflage products recommended by your plastic surgeon, commercial camouflage products available in many large department stores, or even a standard makeup that you already use.

The important thing is to look for products that are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. If you're happy with the products you currently use, you can continue using them after surgery — but buy fresh ones with new applicators so they'll be as clean as possible.

There are three basic approaches to camouflage cosmetics: concealing — hiding incision lines and bruises; color correcting — neutralizing color in reddened or yellowish skin; and contouring — disguising swelling and creating the illusion of highlights and shadows.

Concealers are thicker and more opaque than regular foundation makeup. They can cover healed incision lines as well as scars or bruises on your face or body.