After going through cosmetic surgery, you need to remember to take precaution when taking care of your skin. This is because you are still recovering from the operation and will have to make sure you use the right products that will not be harmful to your skin; particularly after the first few days and weeks following your operation.
If you are planning to get a procedure done anytime soon, knowing how to take care of your skin can be very useful. Here are some of the things you need to know:
- Treat Your Skin Like a Baby. One of the most important things you have to remember is to treat your skin like it’s a baby. You have to avoid using things that could lead to discoloration on your skin; especially if it is really red. Instead of using the usual products you use, you have to stick to mild, hypoallergenic products that are good to your skin. Opt for non-soap cleansers and moisturizers that don’t contain any fragrances.
- Protect Your Skin Against the Sun. Another thing you have to remember is to keep your skin safe from the harmful rays of the sun, especially after the first few days you had a procedure. You need to completely avoid direct sun exposure. If you do need to go out, you have to wear sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or 40. This will help you block the sun’s alpha and beta rays. It’s not recommended that you use sunscreen products with higher SPF as they could block your pores. This is why you should avoid using these products.
- Give Your Skin Time to Heal. After undergoing a plastic surgery procedure, it is normal for you to have scars and scabs on your skin. You have to remember that you need to let these wounds heal. No matter how tempting it is, avoid picking at your scabs or peeling skin so that you can speed up your recovery period. This won’t help speed up the process but could even lead to an infection or scarring problem.
- Always Hydrate. Remember to drink a lot of water so you can flush out the toxins from inside your system. No matter how minor your surgery procedure was, it is best that you drink six to eight glasses of water every day. This will help rejuvenate your skin so that it will heal faster.
Wearing Makeup After Cosmetic Surgery
For women who are fond of wearing make-up, it is important that you give your skin a break after you have gone through surgery. This is because your skin will be too delicate to be exposed to chemicals and the other ingredients found in the products you use. Especially if you have undergone a deep chemical peel or an ablative laser procedure, you have to wait until your skin’s top layer (or epidermis) has fully reformed once again. In doing so, you can avoid encountering any allergies or discomfort with your skin.
If you prefer, you may speak with your doctor to make sure that you get his advice about the right type of makeup to use. Once your surgeon gives a nod on wearing makeup, you will have to remember these tips to ensure that you don’t encounter any problems.
- Opt for mineral make-up. Nowadays, there are a number of make-up manufacturers that have become conscious about the ingredients they use on their products. With mineral make-up, you get a product that will be gentler on your skin and will still give you the coverage you require just like in regular make-up.
- Use a green base for bruises. After you have undergone surgery, it is only natural that you would encounter some bruises. If you find that you have some red skin or purple bruises on your face, you can balance this off with the use of a green base. As a result, you’ll have a more natural-looking skin tone that’s true to the rest of your face. For best results, you can top the base with a powder that’s a shade darker than the one you typically use.
- Wash off makeup at night. Remember to wash off the makeup you use before you go to sleep. Even if you are already healed from the surgery, you still need to remember to wash your face regularly. As you are healing, it is extremely important that you cleanse your skin. The best way you can do this is by washing your face every night with the use of a non-soap cleanser.
Remember, the best thing to do is to ask your plastic surgeon for advice on the right products to use after your procedure. This will be a big help to you as your skin heals from the surgery.
Dr. Gregory H. Croll is the owner of his own practice, and the leading doctor for plastic surgery in Columbia, MO.