Managing Your Post-Facelift Bruises
When the body is injured, damaged, or augmented in some way, one of its natural responses is bruising. Following any medical or cosmetic surgery, including the facelift, patients can expect to see bruising to varying degrees. This black and blue tint to the skin signifies healing and recovery, but it can be tricky to wait long enough for all of your post-operative bruises to fade before you resume your regular activities. Sometimes, bruises can last for weeks, gradually fading with each day and eventually turning yellow before disappearing completely. If you’re hoping to get back to normal everyday life without your bruises giving away your facelift surgery secret, try some of these bruise-covering strategies for yourself.
How Much Will I Bruise?
Bruising on your face is understandably a scary thing, especially because it’s so difficult to hide. Many patients want to know exactly how much they will bruise and how long it will last, but there’s no way to know, really. Every patient reacts in his or her own way to surgery, so it depends on you. If you bruise easily and the bruises tend to last a while, you should expect a similar reaction from surgery. Still, bruising can be an unpredictable side effect, so don’t be surprised if you react differently. Talk to your plastic surgeon about any concerns you have about bruising and healing.
Can Makeup Help Cover My Bruises After a Facelift?
One of the first things patients reach for when it’s time to cover something up is their makeup bags. If you’re hoping to cover post-surgical bruises from your facelift surgery, however, you’ll need better coverage that what your pharmacy makeup products can provide. Before surgery, head to a brand name makeup counter and talk to a beautician for advice on full-coverage products. You’ll need a formula that can adhere to the smoother scar tissue as the facelift incisions are healing. It should also be appropriate for sensitive skin, so look for something that is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, free of dyes, and non-pore-clogging. Even if you don’t normally have skin issues, shop for products that are as gentle as possible.
How Do I Make Sure It’s Covering My Bruises?
Once you’ve got that makeup ready to go, you’ll need a good strategy to make sure those bruises are covered. Both men and women can use this technique to cover up their post-facelift bruises and their scars as well. How you need to apply your makeup will depend on the specifics of your surgery and where your bruises are. These tips can help you get on your way to successful cover-ups each day until your bruises subside:
- Talk with a makeup artist or beautician to get some practical advice.
- Buy foam wedges to apply your makeup. These will give you the smoothest application, a very natural look, and the most control as you apply the products to your skin.
- Start with a small amount of liquid or cream makeup and build the coverage as needed. It’s best to underestimate and then increase coverage from there, plus it keeps your skin looking more natural.
What About My Facelift Incisions and Scars?
After your facelift, you may be tempted to run right for the cover-up and powder. Resist the urge and don’t interfere with your body’s healing process. Discuss your recovery timeline carefully with your plastic surgeon to ensure that you wait long enough before applying makeup to your incisions. Any products you apply to this area before it has healed enough could lead to infection, irritation, and delayed healing. If any makeup you apply causes redness or itching, discontinue its use and contact your plastic surgeon for advice.
Where Can I Plan My Facelift Surgery?
To learn more about facelift surgery, consult with Dr. Ronald Lohner, an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia who offers customized procedures to his patients after a one-on-one consultation. He completed his undergraduate education at Dartmouth College and medical school at UMDNJ-Rutgers. Currently, Dr. Lohner is Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bryn Mawr Hospital and holds a faculty appointment at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. His peers have selected him as a Philadelphia-area Top Doctor for the last eight years. His office is located at [primary_address] in [primary_city], [primary_statefull], on the Main Line. Please call his office at [primary_phone] to schedule a consultation.