When can I wear makeup after blepharoplasty?

AAO is direct about this one: if you have recently had eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so. There is no single day that applies to everyone, because it depends on how your incisions are closing.

In practice the gate is usually the incision. Nonabsorbable sutures are removed 7 to 14 days after surgery per AAO, and most surgeons want the line sealed and dry before anything is rubbed onto it. Mascara, eyeliner, and pencil worked along the lash line are the riskiest items because they sit right on the healing edge and get removed with friction.

When you do restart, AAO's general cosmetics guidance applies with extra force on a fresh incision: never share eye makeup, remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, and toss eye makeup if you develop an eye infection. Many surgeons also suggest opening new products rather than reusing tubes that were open before surgery.

Foundation and concealer on the cheek, away from the incision, are often allowed earlier than lid makeup. Ask your surgeon specifically about the lash line versus the surrounding skin instead of asking one general makeup question.