When is it o.k. to use makeup over my scar?

Question

I am 3 1/2 weeks post-op and my skin has healed pretty well. It is all pink but still a little tender. I want to remove the bandage and start using makeup over it to cover the redness. Is that o.k.?

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

This is probably okay given your description, but if there is any question, it is better to not use makeup yet until it is fully healed, usually around 6-8 weeks after surgery.  The best advice for ultimate good healing and for minimizing scar, is to keep the new wound covered as you have, and with an emollient on the wound, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, or another product to keep it moist while healing.  This too, will help to reduce the risk of infection as well, and will help the healing process.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

This is personal to your surgeon. I like for my patients to wait at least 3 weeks to use makeup or sunscreen given there are no wound healing problems. It really just depends on your surgeon's preference.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Did your surgeon recommend you keep the bandage on this long? I don't usually recommend people keep a bandage on this long, so you might want to check on that. If the area is completely closed and healed up, it's fine to use makeup over it. Pink and tender are fine, just not open. "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot 
be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person 
treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

When is it o.k. to use makeup over my scar?

Answers (3)