How Soon After LASIK Can I Wear Makeup?

Before undergoing LASIK surgery, as with any surgery, most LASIK candidates have many questions. While many are aware of the benefits that LASIK can provide, there are still naturally many questions that candidates have regarding the procedure, the pre-operative period, and post-op life. One of the most common questions we receive has to do with wearing eye makeup after LASIK. This may seem like a small detail to some, but for others the ability to wear makeup has an impact on their daily life and work responsibilities, whether you are a Northeast Ohio newscaster, a local theater performer at Playhouse Square, a cosmetologist—or simply a person that enjoys wearing makeup every day.  

Let’s discuss: What are the recommendations for wearing makeup after LASIK?  

Many people could have guessed that it is probably not the best idea to put eye makeup on right after undergoing LASIK surgery. Makeup can get into your eye and potentially cause an infection. Also, if the makeup is not put on and taken off gently, there can be a problem. So, exactly how long should you wait before wearing makeup after LASIK?  

Generally, it is best to wait a week to wear eye makeup after LASIK. However, this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with your doctor. Some patients are suited to put on makeup a few days after LASIK depending on the doctor’s orders. However, plan on a week—and take this into consideration when scheduling your LASIK surgery appointment. If you will need to wear makeup less than a week after LASIK, you may want to hold off on the surgery.  

Here are a few things to know about wearing makeup after LASIK:

• After undergoing LASIK surgery, you will not want to touch or rub the area around your eyes too vigorously. This is the primary concern with wearing and taking off eye makeup. Once the recommended week of waiting has passed, we advise choosing easy-to-remove eye makeup products for the first few days. For example, you may not want to put on that tough-to-get-off waterproof mascara or unbudgeable eyeliner if it requires endless scrubbing to remove.
• You might need to avoid your waterline. If you’re used to wearing eyeliner in your waterline, the area of skin between the lash line and the cornea, you might not want to do that for a few weeks after having LASIK. Lining your waterline puts your makeup very close to your eye and could potentially lead to you poking your eye which is something you should avoid right after LASIK.
• You can wear other makeup. Just because you can’t wear eye makeup in the week immediately following LASIK surgery doesn’t mean that you can’t wear other makeup. Foundation, blush, lipstick, and bronzer are all fine as long as you avoid the eye area.

So, now that you know the recommendations on wearing eye makeup after LASIK, are you ready to start the process? LVC is the leading LASIK provider in the Greater Cleveland area, and we are here to help our patients with every detail of preparing for the procedure. Get in touch today and we can set up your initial consultation.  
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