Ask a doctor

How Long Do I Have to Wait After Rhinoplasty to Wear Makeup?

I wasn't sure how long I need to wait to put on makeup after rhinoplasty? Also, is it dangerous for me to tan before the surgery? I don't mean literally the day before but a week or two before is that okay or will that mess up my skin? Thank you :)

Doctor Answers 9

Tanning & Makeup

April 3rd, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Tanning should be avoided before (several weeks) and after (several months) surgery but make-up can be worn fairly quickly as long as it is not directly over the incisions.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS


Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 206 reviews

Rhinoplasty

April 1st, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Your surgeon should advise you regarding wearing makeup, but I allow patients to wear makeup right after the nasal splint is removed, which I do at 7 days.  Avoid tanning prior to the surgery. It can cause inflammation of the skin and  possibly cause pigment problems in the skin that will be covered by tape and a splint.

Web reference: http://edelsonplastic.com/face/rhinoplasty/

Ronald J. Edelson, MD

Ronald J. Edelson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

How Long Do I Have to Wait After Rhinoplasty to Wear Makeup?

April 2nd, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

 Should be OK to wear makeup on the face the second or third post Rhinoplasty day and over the nose at 1 week when the cast is removed.

Web reference: http://www.drfpalmer.com

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Makeup after Rhinoplasty

March 31st, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

My patients start using makeup after removal of the nasal splint. Our aesthetician always helps them with that initial application. You can tan before surgery but  be careful to  not burn the skin. 

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 35 reviews

Make-up after rhinoplasty

March 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Make-up can be placed  a few days after surgery lightly on the eyes if they are not too swollen. I would limit foundation on the face because that may interfere with the nasal splint.  Avoid make-up near sutures.

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

How long for makeup after rhinoplasty?

March 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I let my patients wear makeup 3 days after the splint comes off. I like to let the skin "breathe" a little and only apply gentle cleanser and moisturizer for a few days and then allow the makeup regimen to restart. I do not restrict any makeup around the eyes or rest of the face.

Web reference: http://www.palmbeachface.com/rhinoplasty.html

Michael L. Schwartz, MD

Michael L. Schwartz, MD
West Palm Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 9 reviews

Makeup is fine one week after rhinoplasty

March 30th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You can use makeup on your nose the week the splint comes off. As far as tanning, only with care well before, and avoid sun several months after.

Web reference: http://www.peterejohnsonmd.com/rhinoplasty

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 39 reviews

Makeup after a rhinoplasty

March 29th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

You can wear makeup as soon as the splint comes off, which is about 7 days for my patients.

E. Ronald Finger, MD

E. Ronald Finger, MD
Savannah Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 65 reviews

Make up and tanning after rhinoplasty

April 11th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Make up should be avoided during the first week after surgery if there is a nasal splint.  The nasal splint needs to remain dry and the use of make up, cleanser, etc...adds a degree of difficulty for patients in keeping the splint clean and dry.  However, it is perfectly acceptable to put makeup on the nose when the cast comes off at one week.  Tanning should be avoided prior to surgery and for at least 4 weeks after surgery. 

William Portuese, MD

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 125 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.