When it comes to creating a certain level of comfort after undergoing plastic surgery, you should know that the way you feel and how you look are two different things. Although you may feel physically in perfect condition, your face may tell a different story. Visually, the effects of plastic surgery may include swelling, unsightly bruising and visible incisions.

These signs also have the potential to last for months. Today, there are numerous ways to deal with these minor setbacks that does not take time away from completing daily tasks and responsibilities. The market is filled with a wide range of cosmetic items and techniques that can camouflage the side effects associated with plastic surgery.

Camouflage cosmetics are versatile, boosting the confidence levels in male and female patients of all ages. Camouflage cosmetics not only bring out your recent enhancements, but also mask the healing process of a surgical procedure. While there are many different products to choose from, an array of application techniques are available to help you take advantage of these cosmetic items.

It may take a bit of practice, but in no time, you will get the hang of concealing the unattractive side of recovery. After-Surgery Safety Before turning to camouflage cosmetics to hide bruising or reduce the appearance of swelling, you should consult your surgeon on when is the best time to start using these items. Often, it is common to begin applying camouflage cosmetics a couple of days after surgery. In the case of covering up incision lines, you will need to wait until all of the stitches have been taken out, which is usually two weeks after surgery. Complete closure of the incision is also a must before using camouflage cosmetics. If you have undergone a procedure on the nose, camouflaging may begin right after cast removal.

For chemical peel or dermabrasion patients, the skin must be free of blemishes or crust before using camouflage cosmetics. Purchasing Camouflage Cosmetics When shopping for camouflage cosmetics, you may find these special makeup products located in many large department stores. In certain cases, some of the usual cosmetics you use may help to cover up signs of surgery. To track down some of the best products, your plastic surgeon may suggest a few options beyond the commercial world of camouflage. If you decide against the suggestions of your doctor, it is important to purchase camouflage cosmetics that are hypoallergenic, as well as fragrance free. This will protect you against skin irritation.

Basic Types of Camouflage Cosmetics There are three main ways patients approach the purchase of camouflage cosmetics: concealing, correcting and contouring. Below you will find brief details on each technique to better help you decide which approach is best for you: Concealing: Concealers differ from typical foundation products because they are much thicker. Using concealing techniques usually works wonders in hiding incision lines and unattractive bruises. All over the body and face, visible scarring is also reduced. Various concealer colors are available on the market, offering a variety of skin matches to consider. When applying concealer, you should know that this type of product does not enhance the appearance of the thin, delicate skin located about the eyes.

Correcting: Color correcting is a great way to create a balance between skin that appears yellowish or reddened. The need for this sort of product comes when healing bruises bring about a yellow tint to the skin. The redness of a chemical peel and dermabrasion is also treated with a color corrector.

Different tints of product are available. Yellow tones are neutralized with a lavender corrector. A green corrector affects redness.

Contouring: Contouring provides nice results for those who wish to reduce the appearance of swelling or bring about the imagery of highlights and shadows. Facial implant and nose surgery patients will benefit from contouring techniques. By manipulating light and shadows, you can make lighter areas come forward or darker areas fall into the background. This is accomplished through the combination of a highlighter and contour shadow. As a rule of thumb, the highlighter should be close to two shades lighter than your usual foundation. The contour shadow should be around two shades darker than the foundation you are accustomed to.

When looking for these products in a grocery store, be on the lookout for foundation makeup and pressed power. Contouring involves a great deal of skill to appear authentic. Through practice, the creation of illusions that take advantage of light and dark shades of product can be accomplished. Patients can then use these techniques to make noses appear narrower, shrink the appearance of a swollen chin and bring height to cheekbones.

Cosmetics Removal Camouflage cosmetics should not stay on the face when you go to bed. Removal of the product is very necessary to ensure healthy skin. Camouflage cosmetics are known for being thicker than usual makeup options. This means strong cleansing cream should be used for removal, followed by an alcohol-free toner that is gentle to the skin.

Last, a skin-specific moisturizer should be applied for extra care.

Barry A. S. Lycka is one of North America's foremost authorities on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. You can find out more at http://www.barrylyckamd.com and http://www.restoringyouthonline.com. He is founder of The Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association (http://www.ecsaonline.com).