What to Expect After Your Blepharoplasty
After your eyelid surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. This can typically be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses.
It is important to keep your head elevated and avoid any strenuous activities that may increase swelling or pressure on the eyes.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including keeping the incision sites clean and dry, applying prescribed ointments, and attending follow-up appointments.
Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, as this can disrupt the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
Healthy Recovery Tips
Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support healing and minimize inflammation. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to aid in the recovery process.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
Monitoring Your Progress
Keep track of your symptoms and any changes in your condition. Contact your surgeon immediately if you experience severe pain, sudden vision changes, or signs of infection.
By diligently following your post-surgery instructions and taking good care of yourself, you can promote a smooth and successful recovery from your blepharoplasty.
Typical Post-Operative Symptoms
Common symptoms and signs following eyelid surgery may include:
Bruising And Swelling In The Eyelid Region
Expect bruising and swelling in the eyelid area, which are normal occurrences. Use prescribed pain medication for any discomfort and contact the office if you experience sharp pain.
Asymmetry, The Eyes Look Different, Or Heal Differently.
It is typical to have some level of asymmetry in the eyes after surgery, as perfect symmetry is rare.
- Follow all post-operative instructions given by your surgeon.
- Avoid any strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for the first few weeks.
- Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes to prevent infection.
- Avoid wearing makeup on or around your eyes until cleared by your surgeon.
- Apply any prescribed medications as directed by your surgeon.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables to aid in the healing process.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to ensure proper healing.
By following these tips and taking proper care of yourself after your blepharoplasty, you can help ensure a smooth and successful recovery process.
Caring for Yourself After Your Surgery
Post-surgery care recommendations include:
- Wearing sunglasses post-surgery.
- Avoiding contact lenses for 2 weeks.
- Avoiding driving until off pain medication.
Cold compresses and eye drops
Prior to surgery, learn how to use cold compresses and eye drops for post-care treatment.
- Always wash your hands before using compresses.
- Apply a cold compress to your eyelids every 10-15 minutes.
- Use sterile saline eye drops as required.
Showering and applying makeup
Shower below the neck immediately after surgery, full showers are allowed after 5 days. Refrain from using creams or makeup near the surgical sites for 2 weeks.
Follow-up
Sutures will be removed between 2-7 days post-surgery.
Call Your Healthcare Provider if You Have:
- Look out for symptoms such as fever, shaking chills, and nausea.
- Be aware of persistent redness, drainage, or shortness of breath.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
Blepharoplasty provides benefits for drooping eyelids. Ensure you allocate time for recovery and avoid activities that could impede the healing process.
1. Smoking
Stop smoking before and after surgery to aid in healing and prevent complications.
2. Anything That Puts Pressure on Your Eyelids
Avoid rubbing or stretching your eyelids to protect the delicate post-surgery eyes.
3. Anything That Could Increase Blood Flow to Your Eyes
Avoid activities that increase blood flow to the eyes for 2-4 weeks after surgery. Refrain from strenuous exercises and keep your head elevated during recovery.
Questions About Recovering From Surgery? Call Us Today
Don’t hesitate to contact your surgeon for any questions or concerns during the recovery period.
Follow the aftercare instructions post-blepharoplasty diligently for a successful recovery. Avoid specific activities for at least 14 days.
To facilitate healing after blepharoplasty in Philadelphia:
- Adhere to post-operative instructions regarding medications and care.
- Keep your eyes clean and free from makeup.
- Utilize cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Avoid intense physical exercise.
- Monitor your recovery for any signs of complications.
- Avoid touching or rubbing around treated areas.
Make sure to wear UV-protected sunglasses to shield your eyes from UV rays and steer clear of swimming or strenuous activities during recovery. Be cautious about using external products near incision sites to prevent infections. Follow specific instructions meticulously for the best recovery outcomes.
It is important to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to track your progress and ensure proper healing. Engaging in gentle activities and getting plenty of rest can aid in a smoother recovery process. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns, reach out to your surgeon promptly for guidance.
1. Do: Keep your eyes clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
Gently wash your face with warm water, avoiding the eyes, and use a clean cotton pad or tissue to remove any debris.
2. Don’t: Be too vigorous while cleaning the area near your incisions
Be careful when cleaning around incisions to prevent discomfort and sensitivity to light. Use saline drops if you experience blurry vision.
It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to properly clean and care for your incisions. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the area too vigorously, as this can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process. Instead, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, patting it dry with a clean towel.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus around the incision site, contact your healthcare provider immediately. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection and promote healing.
3. Do: Use cool compresses to reduce blepharoplasty swelling
Apply cold compresses to alleviate swelling and discomfort, and monitor your recovery for any signs of complications.
4. Don’t: Remove any sutures on your own or earlier
Wait for your suture removal appointment to ensure proper healing and avoid premature stitch removal.
Removing sutures on your own or earlier than advised by your healthcare provider can lead to complications such as wound dehiscence (wound reopening), infection, and poor wound healing. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and wait for the recommended time for suture removal to prevent these complications and promote optimal healing.
5. Do: Get enough rest
Rest after surgery is essential for promoting proper blood flow and aiding in the healing process. It is important to keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and discomfort. Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for rest and recovery to ensure a successful outcome.
6. Don’t: Touch or rub the treated area too often
Avoid touching or rubbing the treated areas to prevent complications and scar formation.
7. Do: Wear dark sunglasses when out in bright sunlight
Wearing UV-protected sunglasses is essential to safeguard your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of eye infections.
8. Don’t: Engage in strenuous activity for at least three weeks post-surgery
Avoid swimming and intense physical activities for at least a month post-surgery and focus on light daily tasks.
9. Don’t apply any lotions or creams over the eyelid area
Refrain from applying external substances near incision sites to avoid infections and maintain cleanliness for optimal healing.
10. Do: Follow all aftercare instructions given by your doctor
Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon for optimal results with minimal risks and consult your doctor with any concerns.
11. Don’t: Wear contact lenses or makeup until at least one week after surgery
Avoid wearing eye makeup for at least a week post-surgery and consider using light makeup after a few weeks.
Schedule an appointment with us
Follow the postoperative instructions meticulously for a successful recovery after eyelid surgery. Reach out to Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery for specialized care and support.
Proper post-surgery care is vital for achieving successful outcomes in eyelid surgery. Avoid strenuous activities that could raise blood pressure and cause bleeding to prevent complications
Avoid Complications
Avoid activities that might elevate blood pressure for 10 days after surgery to prevent issues. Rest and elevate your head for a week to aid in recovery.
After Surgery
Use cold compresses after surgery to reduce swelling, and closely follow care and medication instructions. Shower gently the day after surgery and avoid disrupting the incisions.
The Healing Process
Some patients may experience dry eyes and can purchase non-prescription eye drops at a local pharmacy. Consider using Refresh® Eye Drops during the day and Refresh Plus drops at night. Applying a drop to each eye every few hours can help hydrate and refresh your eyes.
During the healing process, bruising may change color and spread around the eyes. Some patients may notice red or pink in the whites of their eyes, which is generally not a concern. Eyeball blistering due to swelling may occur but is rare. In case of worrying symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
If you have sutures, make sure to return for removal on day 5 or 6 post-surgery. Eyelid incisions may initially appear irregular or bumpy, but this is normal and tends to improve over time. It’s common for eyelids not to fully close immediately after surgery, but this usually resolves quickly.
Many individuals may pay little attention to their eyelids until undergoing surgery. Avoid being overly critical during the initial weeks of healing. Trust the process and understand that improvement may take time. Most patients achieve excellent healing results, with only a few requiring minor adjustments. Be patient and trust the recovery process.