Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that offers many benefits aside from just making your eyelids look better. After undergoing this procedure, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon to ensure a successful recovery. Blepharoplasty aftercare involves avoiding certain activities for at least 14 days following surgery, such as strenuous exercise and contact sports.
It also includes taking medications as prescribed and using cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Additionally, it is important to keep the eyes clean and free from debris or makeup during the healing process. Following these guidelines will help you heal quickly and safely so that you can return to your normal activities within a few days after surgery.
1. Do: Keep your eyes clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection
Wash your face regularly with a gentle cleanser, taking care to avoid getting water into the eye area. Use a clean cotton ball, paper tissue, or pad soaked in warm water to gently dab and remove any grime or debris that may accumulate around the surgical site.
2. Don’t: Be too vigorous while cleaning the area near your incisions
Be careful when wiping or cleaning around your incisions in your lower and upper eyelids since even gentle pressure can cause discomfort and result in further soreness and/or tearing of delicate tissues. Your eyes may become sensitive to light after surgery, so you can use sterile saline eye drops if your vision is blurry.
3. Do: Use cool compresses to reduce blepharoplasty swelling
Using either cold cucumber slices, cold compress, or ice packs can help reduce swelling and aid in the healing process after blepharoplasty Philadelphia. A few minutes of daily application can also help with restoring comfort and reducing soreness in the treatment area.
In the weeks after surgery, it is important to monitor your recovery period and look out for any signs of complications. Blurred vision, double vision, droopy eyelids, or excessive swelling can all be indicators of a problem and should be reported to your surgeon immediately. With proper care and attention, you should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks after surgery.
4. Don’t: Remove any sutures on your own or earlier
The Philadelphia blepharoplasty procedure involves surgery with eyelid skin excision and closing of the wound with stitches (sutures). You must wait until the suture removal appointment as outlined by your doctor before attempting anything yourself. This helps ensure that there are no complications in the healing process due to premature/inappropriate stitch removal.
5. Do: Get enough rest
During eyelid surgery, incision sites are made near the natural creases of the eyelids to remove excess skin and fat. This helps reduce puffiness and sagging in the area. It is important to get enough rest for at least 24 hours or 48 hours after surgery to allow proper blood flow to the incision sites and promote healing.
It is important to remember that during the recovery period, extra pillows should be used to keep the head elevated while sleeping. This helps reduce swelling and bruising in the area. Additionally, it is important to avoid any intensive exercise that may cause strain on the eyes. Lastly, it is important to listen to your body and be aware of your pain tolerance levels. If you experience any discomfort or pain, take a break and rest until it subsides before continuing with your daily activities.
6. Don’t: Touch or rub the treated area too often
Touching or rubbing near the treated eye areas will not do any good, but instead causes unnecessary physical pressure making it vulnerable to infections and irritation leading to further scar formation, and can lead to excessive redness, swelling, or itching, further complicating recovery.
7. Do: Wear dark sunglasses when out in bright sunlight
Especially during the first few weeks following cosmetic surgery, it is highly recommended that you wear UV-protected sunglasses whenever you venture out even briefly while exposed to direct sunlight to protect delicate eye areas from damage caused by UV rays’ damaging effects and reduce risks of developing eye infection/inflammation.
8. Don’t: Engage in strenuous activity for at least three weeks post-surgery
No swimming pool visits until after one month of recovery from blepharoplasty surgery! During the recovery process, make sure that you avoid physical activities like going to the gym, exercising, etc., as these can impede your healing process due to increased strain on your incisions during movements like lifting heavy objects. Instead, focus on light daily activities such as walking or gentle stretching.
9. Don’t apply any lotions or creams over the eyelid area
Unless specifically recommended by your surgeon – applying any external substance increases the chance of having allergic reactions and infections. Keep these areas clean and free of any creams or lotions for optimal healing.
It is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s post operative instructions for caring for your eyes, including the use of antibiotic ointment and pain medications as needed. If you experience mild pain or discomfort, it is best to take over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Additionally, applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the incision sites can help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. Be sure to consult with your doctor before using any medication or if you have severe pain.
10. Do: Follow all aftercare instructions given by your doctor
You should strictly follow all specific instructions regarding medications and post-operative activity given by your plastic surgeon for optimal results and to minimize the risk of postoperative complications such as scarring, infection, etc. Make sure to discuss any questions or concerns about lower and upper blepharoplasty aftercare plans with your doctor ahead of time so you can be confident following them accurately without fears of unexpected results afterward.
11. Don’t: Wear contact lenses or makeup until at least one week after surgery
You will need to give your eyelids time to heal before you put any eye makeup back on them. It is advised to avoid wearing eye makeup for at least one week after surgery while the treated area is still healing. You will be able to wear light makeup after a couple of weeks.
Schedule an appointment with us
If you are considering eyelid surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations and understand the postoperative instructions for a successful recovery following the indications of the best blepharoplasty surgeon Philadelphia. At Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery, we specialize in facial procedures and provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results. Contact us today to learn more about eyelid surgery recovery and how we can help you achieve your desired look.
