Information Sheet for Makeup This information is provided for your general information How such information exactly applies to an individual would depend on a face to face history, examination, perhaps laboratory exams and individual treatment plan. Further because of the nature of electronic media and information - there is no doctor - patient relationship but merely a general information display - THANK YOU. INFORMATION SHEET FOR MAKE UP The following is information about makeup and cosmetics which may help cover bruising, scars, birthmarks, port-wine stains, etc. As any person entering a drugstore or department store knows, there is a wide variety of cosmetics available for every particular skin type and use. There are soaps, astringents, concealers, creams, lotions, makeup of all colors and description; the list goes on and on. Which ones can be used? In many cases following cosmetic surgery, the skin is "black and blue". There are many products available which can camoflage this bruising. The least expensive products can be found in drugstores or discount stores. These include concealer sticks and makeups. For many patients, these provide adequate coverage. Virtually every cosmetics line (Cover Girl, Maybelline, Revlon, Max Factor, etc) has some type of concealer available. For more significant bruising, products are available at cosmetic counters in major department stores. The advantages of these counters is that you will have individual attention, and the salespeople are generally knowledgeable about makeup and its application. The one disadvantage is that these cosmetics, while usually quite effective, may also be expensive. If you know you bruise easily, it may be to your advantage to purchase products before surgery. One product designed specifically for covering bruising, birthmarks, port wine stains, etc. is called Dermablend. This can be purchased at Kaufmann's. Another product is called Covermark, and can be purchased at J.C. Penney Co. Dermablend consists of a creamy base makeup, which should be applied first to the skin, along with a setting powder. The cost for small sizes of both products is approximately $20. A cleansing lotion is also recommended for removal of the makeup, and the cost for the lotion is $10. Dermablend also makes a body/leg cover product for use on areas other than the face. Covermark is similar to Dermablend both in application and cost. All of these products are waterproof, smearproof and come with instructions regarding application. You will be given instructions following surgery about when you may begin using cosmetics. We usually request that you wait 4-5 days following suture removal before applying makeup. It is very important that makeup not be applied directly on stitches. You may use makeup on surrounding areas. Use of makeup on stitches can result in a permanent "tattoo" in the area, as well as cause infection in a healing wound. Makeup should not be applied to non-healed, open or draining wounds. Some wounds will be red following surgery, and can be covered with makeup, if desired, as directed. This redness usually fades in time. It is very important that when going out in the sun that you use a sunscreen, over healing wounds especially. The sun tends to redden any healing wound, which will make it more noticeable.