title: Camouflaging techniques and dermatologic surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin appearance alterations as a result of dermatologic surgical procedures may produce temporary or permanent cosmetic defects. Basic camouflaging cosmetics and techniques can restore self-confidence and allow the surgical patient to resume social contact.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This paper presents the dermatologic surgeon with a basic understanding of the principles and techniques employed in cosmetic camouflaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evaluation of surgical scars and healing tissue in terms of contour and pigmentation defects accompanied by an understanding of complementary colors provides the basis for cosmetic camouflaging. A variety of commercial products are available to meet specific patient needs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cosmetic camouflaging can merely hide postsurgical erythema following laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and face peeling or provide a cover for permanent scarring.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An understanding of cosmetic camouflaging is essential to the dermatologic surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Z D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Draelos
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005145:Face; D006801:Humans; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics