Rhinoplasty is one of the safest and generally most satisfying plastic surgeries in the market today. The results can be dramatic and long-lasting. Yet, in order to get to those perfected results, you have to wait through several weeks or a few months before all the swelling subsides. It can be even a year until the final product is revealed. What is a girl required to do in the mean time? Fortunately there is a whole slough of camouflaging cosmetics in the market that can help conceal any bruising and discolorations until your nose completely heals.



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 just happened and that your body is trying to fix it. Still, you do not want everyone else paying more attention to your healing nose than they do to you. To minimize awkward stares you will need some good cosmetics.

First, you can start with some concealer to cover up 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 to find one that very closely matches your skin color and that 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 the concealer to your bruises and scars, it is usually best to apply a layer of your regular foundation for a more finished presentation.

If you have any discoloration of the skin around the surgery area, your best bet may be color correctors. These are specifically designed to hide the unsightly colors that accompany bruising. If you have a yellowish bruise, try a lavender corrector. For redder discolorations, apply green corrector. Be sure to finish with a layer of your own foundation to smooth out the colors.

There are also ways to disguise the swelling that will typically last for few weeks. One common technique is to use different shades of foundation to create contouring or lights and shadows. If you want to make your swollen nose look narrower, apply a strip of foundation two shades lighter than your regular one down the center of your nose. Then apply strips of foundation that are two shades darker than your regular one along the sides of your nose. Blend them together as best as you can. This should produce an illusion of a thinner nose line, camouflaging any temporary fatness or inflammation.

Before you try any of these techniques, be sure to get your surgeons approval. Usually you will be allowed to start wearing makeup just a few days after your procedure, but you may have to wait until your stitches have been removed to start covering up the incision lines. When you do start using makeup again, make sure your applicators are clean and that your products are non-oily and hypoallergenic. Be consistent and diligent in completely removing the makeup with toner and cleaning your face each night. The last thing you want is to inadvertently create an infection in the nose, prolonging the swelling, bruising, and overall recovery period.

With proper know-how and application, makeup can be a very effective tool in helping you look your best, right after your rhinoplasty procedure. Camouflaging cosmetics can allow you to feel comfortable going back to work and moving in your normal social circles again.