Eyelid surgery, known medically as blepharoplasty, removes excess skin, fat, or muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. While the surgery addresses aesthetic or functional concerns, its success relies heavily on strict adherence to post-operative guidelines. The immediate recovery period is delicate, as healing tissues are vulnerable to strain, infection, and factors that impede repair. Avoiding specific actions during this time is crucial, as ignoring prohibitions can lead to complications like excessive swelling, delayed healing, or compromised final results.
Restrictions on Physical Activity
Immediately following eyelid surgery, increasing systemic blood pressure is a significant risk to the healing site. Activities that elevate the heart rate and blood flow can force fluid into the surgical area, leading to excessive swelling, bruising, and potential hematoma formation. Strenuous exercise, such as running or high-impact cardio, must be avoided for at least one to two weeks, or sometimes longer. Light walking is encouraged, as it promotes healthy circulation without undue strain.
Any activity involving heavy lifting, generally over five to ten pounds, should be strictly prohibited. The exertion of lifting causes a sharp spike in blood pressure, affecting the capillaries around the eyes. Similarly, avoid movements that lower your head below the level of the heart, such as bending over. This posture significantly increases pressure in the head, which can exacerbate swelling and strain the incision sites.
Even during rest, maintaining an elevated head position is crucial for minimizing fluid accumulation. Patients must not sleep flat for the first one to two weeks, instead using two or three pillows to keep the head elevated at a 30- to 40-degree angle. This adjustment uses gravity to help drain excess fluid and reduce morning swelling. Water-based activities like swimming, using hot tubs, or submerging the face should also be avoided for a minimum of two to four weeks to prevent bacterial introduction into the incisions.
Avoiding Contact and Irritation
Direct contact with the freshly operated eye area poses a significant risk of infection and disruption to the healing process. Patients must refrain from rubbing or forcefully touching their eyes, even if they experience post-operative itchiness or dryness. Rubbing can easily reopen sutures, introduce bacteria from the hands, or cause trauma to the newly formed scar tissue.
The use of contact lenses is prohibited because insertion and removal require stretching the eyelid skin, which stresses the incision lines. Contact lenses can also harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infection in the immediate post-surgical environment. Patients should wear glasses exclusively for at least two to three weeks, or until receiving explicit clearance from their surgeon.
Applying makeup, especially products like eyeliner and mascara, is restricted for a minimum of two weeks. These cosmetics can introduce foreign particles and bacteria directly into the incision lines, potentially leading to infection or inflammation. When washing the face, avoid allowing water to jet directly onto the incision sites, as this mechanical force can compromise the healing wound. Do not pull at or attempt to remove any sutures or crusting; these should be allowed to fall away naturally or be removed by the surgeon at the follow-up appointment.
Environmental and Substance Restrictions
External environmental conditions and internal substances consumed profoundly impact the body’s ability to heal effectively after eyelid surgery. Direct sun exposure is highly detrimental to healing scars, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause hyperpigmentation, resulting in a dark, noticeable scar that takes longer to fade. Patients must avoid direct sunlight and consistently wear dark, oversized sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for several months following the procedure.
Exposure to excessive heat, such as in saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs, should be avoided for several weeks. Heat causes vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which can increase localized fluid retention and swelling around the eyes. This prolonged swelling can delay the resolution of bruising and extend the overall recovery timeline.
The consumption of alcohol is strongly discouraged, typically for at least one to two weeks post-surgery. Alcohol acts as a systemic vasodilator and blood thinner, which can increase post-operative swelling and heighten the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation. It can also interfere with the efficacy of prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.
Specific over-the-counter medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, must be avoided because they inhibit blood clotting and significantly increase the risk of bleeding around the surgical site. Finally, smoking must be completely ceased, as nicotine severely constricts blood vessels, restricting necessary blood flow and oxygen supply to the healing tissues, drastically impairing wound repair.