LASIK eye surgery is well-known for being a very quick procedure with a speedy recovery time. It’s only a short while after your surgery that you can get back to your normal routines, including your makeup regime. Many of our patients wonder: how long after LASIK can I wear makeup? What surprises some of our patients is that your makeup can’t be applied right away without risk of infection.
So, let’s discuss why it’s important to avoid eye makeup after LASIK when it’s safe for you to start wearing it again, and some tips to ensure that your makeup causes no problems in your healing process.
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Why You Shouldn’t Wear Makeup After Surgery
While wearing makeup may be second nature in your morning routine, it’s a step that you will need to skip after your LASIK surgery. Wearing any kind of eye makeup, like mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow, can lead to infection. No matter how carefully you apply your makeup after LASIK, it’s extremely easy to slip up and ruin the progress of your LASIK surgery.
A recent study has shown that the majority of opened makeup products already contain bacteria that can lead to infection. Avoiding anything that could be harmful to your eyes is essential to ensuring that they heal properly after the surgery.
What Are the Risks of Wearing Makeup Post-LASIK?
If your eyes do become infected after LASIK, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Redness that can sometimes be severe
- Clear fluid oozing from your eye
- Watery eyes
- Hazy or blurry vision
- Discomfort, pain, and irritation
Infections can range from mild to severe, with the most intensive even causing permanent vision loss. Make sure to avoid infection, as that is much easier than dealing with the symptoms of one. Make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions for post-surgery care to ensure that your eyes heal with no issues.
When Can I Wear Makeup After LASIK?
If you’re thinking about getting LASIK in Cleveland, it’s common to wonder: how long after LASIK can I wear makeup? It’s recommended that you wait at least one week before returning to your usual makeup routine. This can vary from person to person; while some may be ready after a couple of days, others may need more time. It’s best to play it safe to avoid getting an infection during your healing process.
Best Practices for Makeup and LASIK Eye Surgery
While every patient is different, these are the general guidelines to follow for applying makeup before, during, and after LASIK eye surgery.
Makeup Before LASIK
When you attend your consultation, it’s best to be makeup-free to avoid smudging and incorrect test results. You should also avoid wearing makeup 24 hours before your LASIK surgery. If you wear eyelash extensions, they will need to be removed, as well.
Makeup During LASIK
On the day of your LASIK procedure, you mustn’t wear any makeup. You should also avoid using skin lotions and perfume, as well. The perfume vapor can negatively affect the outcome of the procedure.
Eye Makeup After LASIK
After your surgery, your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself and your eyes so that they can heal properly. It will be included that you should not be wearing makeup for at least a week after LASIK.
This only applies to certain makeup, however. While you’re recovering, it’s okay to wear foundation, concealer, or lipstick, as long as they are not applied anywhere near your eye. It’s best to avoid getting anything around your eyes as much as possible during your healing process.
Tips For Wearing Makeup After LASIK
These are some general tips for wearing makeup after your LASIK procedure.
1. Avoid Cosmetic Procedures
Botox, fillers, facials, microblading, eyebrow waxing, and other cosmetic procedures should be avoided for at least four to six weeks after your surgery.
2. Remove Makeup Gently
When removing your eye makeup, use a light downward motion instead of going side to side. Make sure that you’re not using aggressive force and stay away from harsh makeup remover and soaps.
3. Buy New Products
This is essential, even if you didn’t just have LASIK. Old makeup can be home to bacteria that can cause infections. This is also true for old makeup brushes.
4. Don’t Use Expired Makeup
Expired makeup, even foundation and concealers, can cause issues. They will not only lead to eye infections, but they can also cause acne and other unwanted effects on your skin.
5. Avoid the Waterline
If you wear eyeliner, make sure that you’re not applying it to your water line. For the first few weeks after your procedure, makeup should not be anywhere near your waterline as its application can irritate and poke your eyes.
6. No Glitter Eyeshadow
Glittery eyeshadow tends to spread all over your face, and there’s a significant risk that it could fall into your eyes, disrupting the healing process.
7. Use Only Face Makeup First
It’s safe to apply foundation, blush, lipstick, and any other makeup that doesn’t come close to your eyes. For eye makeup after LASIK, your doctor will give you directions on when it’s safe to reintroduce it into your routine.
LASIK Surgery in Cleveland, OH
If you’re looking for an option for LASIK in Cleveland, OH, don’t hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Cleveland Eye Clinic. We will assist you every step of the way, from determining the amount of correction you need with LASIK to comprehensive post-op care.
Revolutionize your vision today.
