Can I wear makeup when/ after I have RLE Surgery?

When attending your initial eye surgery consultation please arrive makeup free to avoid smudging and to ensure test results are as accurate as possible.

If you wear individual false eyelash extensions these can be worn to the consultation but must be removed one week before your refractive lens exchange (RLE) surgery and should not be reapplied until 8 weeks after surgery. False strip lashes can be applied four weeks post-surgery.

On the day of the procedure no makeup should be worn including face makeup, skin lotions and perfume. Your eye will be thoroughly cleaned prior to surgery, however it is recommended that you avoid wearing makeup on the day of your surgery.

After your surgery you should deter from wearing eye makeup, for example eyeliner, eyeshadow and mascara, for as long as possible but you must wait at least a week after surgery. This is because small particles, fibres or liquids from the eye makeup could come into contact with your eye and increase the risk of you developing an infection. Wearing eye makeup increases the chance of your eyes becoming irritated and it may also impact the recovery of your eyes.

It is also recommended that you wait for a day or two before starting to wear face makeup such as foundation and lipstick. Powder based products such as blushers or bronzers are best avoided for four to five days.

We suggest you do not to use eye creams for about 2 weeks after surgery and any other products being applied near the eyes should be applied carefully.

We recommend that when you do start wearing makeup again that you buy new products and brushes, or thoroughly wash your brushes. Bacteria can cling to your used products and may cause your eyes to become infected.

You should also avoid touching your eyes themselves when putting your makeup on. It is also important you are careful not to rub or use excessive force on your eyes when removing your makeup especially in the first few weeks after RLE surgery as this can cause irritation.

In general, you can start re-applying eye makeup a week after surgery. This is also the time point where the majority of healing has occurred.

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