Your cosmetic surgery is over. You've been healing for a week or so and by now, you might even have your stitches out. Now it's time to get back to normal.

But what about your appearance? Although the cosmetic surgery or procedure will improve your look in the long term, you still have to get past the initial trauma to your body—things like incision scars, bruising, discoloration or swelling.

It takes time, but that doesn't mean you have to hide in your house while it all goes away. It could take months, after all, for your appearance to reflect your cosmetic surgery's purpose.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic, Department of Dermatology

How to proceed with post-surgery makeup.