Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves making small cuts on your eyelids to remove excess fat, skin, and sometimes muscle to reduce drooping, puffiness, or bags under the eye and improve vision. Eyes are very delicate, and you must take extra care during the recovery period to reduce the risk of complications and ensure optimal outcomes.
Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions is very important for proper healing and eye comfort.
Post-operative instructions for eyelid surgery
After the surgery
- Rest for the next 24 hours, keeping your head elevated. Only get up to go to the restroom for the next two days with help.
- Sleep on your back, with 3 to 4 pillows under your head and back to minimize facial edema and bruising around your eyes after surgery.
- Avoid straining your eyes with reading, watching television, or using a computer or mobile screen for long periods of time for the next few days.
Caring for your eyes
- Keep your eyelids clean and dry and avoid rubbing the treated area.
- If your surgeon used non-dissolvable sutures, they will be removed 5 to 7 days after surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding your sutures and washing your face.
- Avoid smoking and all nicotine products. They not only complicate post-operative healing but can also affect the outcome of your surgery.
- If you wear contact lenses, wait at least 1 to 2 weeks before using them after your eyelid surgery to allow incisions to heal, reduce infection risks, and manage swelling and dryness. Whether you have had upper eyelid surgery or lower eyelid surgery, check with your doctor about using contacts.
- Do not use any makeup products on your eyelids and avoid getting your hair colored or permed for at least 10 days or until cleared by your surgeon.
- Avoid gardening, dusting, swimming, or using hot tubs for the next few days to protect your eyes from dust, bacteria, and potential irritants that could affect healing.
What to eat?
- Eat low-fat, healthy meals to aid your recovery. You can resume your normal diet if you don’t feel nauseous.
- Avoid fried, greasy, spicy, and heavy foods.
- Drink plenty of fluids, at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Surgery can cause dehydration, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Medications
- Use the eye drops or ointments, pain-relieving medications, and antibiotics as prescribed and directed by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to clean and care for your eyes.
- If the ophthalmic ointment gets in your eyes and blurs your vision for a while, do not be alarmed. This is a normal occurrence.
- Do not take your medications with alcohol.
- Do not take any other medications for the next 10 days without asking your doctor.
Showering after blepharoplasty
- Non-dissolving stitches – Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding showering and cleaning. Avoid getting water on the stitches until they are removed.
- Dissolving stitches – You can shower or wash your hair after surgery if your surgeon has used self-absorbing stitches. Make sure to keep water, soap, shampoo, hair spray, and shaving lotion from getting into your eyes, especially during the first week.
Gently pat dry your eyes with a clean towel. Do not apply pressure or scrub the eyelids. Proper care during a shower helps to prevent infection, protects the stitches, and supports optimal healing.
What to expect?
- Pain – The doctor makes small cuts to the eyelid to do the surgery. Your eyelid may feel tight or sore, and you will experience some pain. You can relieve this discomfort with the pain-relieving medication your doctor has prescribed.
- Bleeding and discharge – You may notice mild oozing or spotting at the incision site during the first 24 to 48 hours. This is normal. Small blood-tinged tears can also occur and are not a cause for concern.
- Bruising – There will be some bruising on the eyelids and the surrounding areas. It may be greater on the second or third day, but it is temporary, and you will notice it fading away after a few days.
- Swelling – You can expect maximum swelling for the initial 3 to 5 days. Your eyes may appear completely closed due to swelling. Most swelling improves significantly within a week.
You may experience temporary dryness, tearing, blurry vision, itchiness, numbness in the area around the eye, and sensitivity to light. They usually improve after a few weeks. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not get better.
Physical activity
- Avoid all strenuous activity, including bending, heavy lifting, and exercise, for at least two weeks or as directed by your surgeon. This is important as any straining can increase blood flow to the face, which may result in increased bleeding around your eyelids and eyes.
- Light walking inside the house helps promote blood circulation and supports recovery.
Returning to normal activities
- You can resume your normal daily activities as swelling and discomfort improve. Follow your surgeon’s guidance regarding work to ensure safe healing and the best results.
- Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days of blepharoplasty, depending on the nature of their job and the speed of recovery. If your work requires significant bending or lifting, you may need more time off work.
- You can start with a light workload or return part-time based on your recovery.
- Wear dark glasses if heading outdoors for the first 3 weeks following your surgery. Fresh scars are hypersensitive to sunlight, so make sure to use a sunblock with a minimum of SPF 15 to protect your incisions from burning.
Call your doctor’s office if you notice any unusual symptoms, have problems with your vision, or want to ask questions regarding your recovery. Speaking to a medical professional can provide reassurance and support your recovery.
Conditions that require emergency care
- Call 911 immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe vision loss
- Sudden onset of significant swelling in one or both eyes
- Temperature above 101.8°F
- Shakes and chills
- Intense pain that does not subside with medication
- Bright red blood from the incision site
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Signs of allergic reaction, such as itching or rashes
Timely medical attention can help reduce the risks of complications and keep you safe.