Post Op Eyelid

Blepharoplasty Post-Op Recovery Instructions

  1. Expect considerable swelling and bruising of the eyelids, which usually is most severe by the second day after surgery. Most of the swelling and bruising will be gone by 2 weeks after surgery. Keeping your head elevated, on 2 to 3 pillows or sitting/sleeping in a recliner, will help limit how much swelling will occur.
  2. Keeping something cold on the eyes for the first 24 hours is also very helpful in in keeping down swelling. This can be done with ice cubes or frozen vegetables in a ziplock bag, changing them every 30 minutes or so as they become lukewarm. Continuing these cold compresses for 48 hours, if possible, is even better.
  3. For eyelid suture lines, antibiotic ointment will be provided to you to apply twice a day. Apply enough to keep them lightly lubricated. The antibiotic ointment is an ophthalmic preparation, so it is safe if it gets in your eyes. (which it almost always does) Also, apply in eyes at bedtime for the first 2 to 3 days after surgery if they feel dry.
  4. Eyelid sutures will be removed 1 week after surgery with eyelid surgery specialist Dr. Eppley.
  5. You may resume the wearing contacts 1 week after surgery when your sutures have been removed.
  6. The use of eye makeup (eyeliner, eyeshadow) should not be used for 2 weeks after surgery. Cover-up or concealer may be used on bruised areas after sutures have been removed.
  7. Exercise and strenuous physical activities should not be done for 2 weeks after surgery. Bending over (head below one’s waist) should be particularly avoided within the first week after surgery.
  8. Be patient about the bruising that is around the eyes. It usually takes several weeks to go away completely… but it will all go away. When both upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time, the bruising that will persist the longest will be at the bottom of the lower eyelid.