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After nose surgery, it’s normal to feel a little impatient – especially when it comes to covering up bruises or getting back to your makeup routine. But when is it actually safe to wear makeup again? Applying cosmetics too soon could interfere with healing or even risk infection. In this guide, we’ll explain when and how to safely return to wearing makeup after a nose job, whether you had open or closed rhinoplasty.
Wait at least 1–2 weeks before applying makeup after rhinoplasty, especially if you have an external cast or splint.
Closed rhinoplasty generally allows for earlier makeup use than open rhinoplasty, due to the absence of external incisions.
Avoid applying makeup directly over incisions or stitches—this can increase the risk of infection and delay healing.
Opt for mineral or hypoallergenic makeup during recovery, as your skin will be more sensitive.
Use neutral lip and eye colours to avoid drawing attention to post-surgery swelling or bruising.
Consult your surgeon before using any cosmetic products post-surgery to ensure it won’t interfere with healing.
Full return to normal makeup routines usually takes 4–6 weeks, depending on healing progress.
The timeline for wearing makeup after rhinoplasty depends on the type of surgery and your healing process:
Closed rhinoplasty: Light makeup may be safe around 7–10 days post-op, once the splint is removed and swelling subsides.
Open rhinoplasty: Requires more healing time. Avoid makeup for at least 3–4 weeks, especially near incision sites.
Always follow your surgeon’s advice and do not apply makeup directly over healing incisions, stitches, or raw skin.
⚠️ Tip: Even mineral makeup can introduce bacteria to healing skin. Wait until wounds are sealed.
Closed rhinoplasty does not involve incisions on the outside of the nose; therefore, it carries less chance of an infection or other complication in the surgical area.
The recovery period for a closed surgery should also be shorter, and normally, the swelling should also subside sooner. It is still likely that you will be wearing a cast on the outside of your nose to protect it from any impact during the first week of recovery. Makeup is pretty much outside of the question until the splint is in place.
Once it is removed, though, and there are no signs of issues with the healing process, you will be able to use light makeup to cover up any bruises you may have.
Makeup after open rhinoplasty is more complicated than other kinds of cosmetic procedures because the incisions will need additional care and attention until they heal completely.
Because of this, it’s best for patients who have undergone open surgery on their noses—or even those who have had closed cosmetic surgeries like brow lifts or facelifts—to avoid putting anything on top of their faces until their incisions have healed completely (usually around 1 to 2 months).
Regardless of the time frame, applying makeup on the stitches is a strict no-no, as keeping the surgical area clean is paramount in order to avoid any complications. But if you are healing well, your doctor might allow the use of light makeup once the stitches are removed.
Use a light foundation, concealer and blush. When you’re healing from rhinoplasty, your skin will be more sensitive than usual to makeup products. Your surgeon may have suggested that you use mineral makeup for the first few weeks following surgery—or even longer if your nose is still very tender. Mineral makeup provides fuller coverage than a regular liquid or cream-based foundations, but it’s less heavy on the skin and doesn’t irritate the delicate tissue around your nose as much as other types of foundation might.
Choose a lip pencil or lipstick in a neutral colour instead of bright pink or red that can draw more attention to your nose (a common post-rhinoplasty concern).
Try using lighter shades of eye shadow when applying mascara; this helps prevent clumping without making lashes appear too thick or dark against pale flesh tones after surgical bruising has healed away completely.”
If you’re going out after rhinoplasty and want to flaunt your new nose, there are ways to make it appear less conspicuous. Some doctors recommend wearing a hat or changing hairstyle temporarily until the swelling has gone down; other patients simply wear sunglasses when they go outside. If you’re planning on wearing makeup, remember that darker shades of lipstick or eye shadow can make your nose look even more prominent (particularly if it’s still swollen at this point).
If you’re not yet cleared for makeup, here are other ways to reduce the appearance of swelling or bruising:
Wear sunglasses (if approved by your surgeon)
Use a wide-brimmed hat for coverage
Adjust your hairstyle to soften facial contours
Try tinted SPF moisturiser as a light alternative
Remember that you are your own best advocate when it comes to taking care of your nose after rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will provide you with guidelines and advice, but ultimately it is up to you to listen carefully and follow through on the recommendations they make. If you have any concerns or questions about what kinds of makeup can be worn after a nose job, please contact our office for more information.
Most patients can apply light makeup after 1–2 weeks, once the splint or cast is removed and the skin is healing well. Always wait for your surgeon’s approval before applying anything to the nose area.
No — avoid applying makeup directly over stitches or unhealed incisions to prevent infection and irritation. Stick to areas away from the incision line until your surgeon confirms full healing.
Yes. Mineral and hypoallergenic makeup is gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause clogged pores, irritation, or delayed healing.
Use light mineral foundation or a gentle concealer, but keep makeup away from the actual surgical site. Green‑tinted concealers can help neutralize purple or blue bruising around the eyes.
Your skin and incisions need time to heal. Makeup particles can enter healing tissue, increasing infection risk and slowing recovery. Waiting helps protect your results.
Most patients return to normal makeup habits about 4–6 weeks after rhinoplasty, depending on how quickly swelling reduces and skin sensitivity improves.
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If you are considering Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that it's probably one of the most important decisions you're likely to make, therefore, you need to be sure it's right for you and you receive professional and independent advice about your procedure.
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