BLEPHAROPLASTY – AFTERCARE INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
This leaflet provides general guidance to help you understand what to expect after your eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Recovery varies from person to person, so your experience may differ slightly.
Before You Leave Hospital
MEDICATIONS
You will be given pain relief and antibacterial ointment as directed before discharge. Most patients find the pain is non-existent to very mild. The first night you might feel achy, but you should NOT have severe pain. If you have severe pain especially on one side you need to contact us or out of hours go to A&E. This occurs extremely rarely but you should be aware.
EYE CARE
The surgeon may apply small wound strips. These need to stay in place until your one week appointment, if they fall out let us know and send us photographs to give you the appropriate advice. This is very important.
TRANSPORT
Please arrange for someone to take you home, as you should not drive immediately after surgery.
When You Get Home
General Expectations
- It is normal for your eyelids to look swollen or bruised. It can vary hugely, but be prepared it can look dramatic to you, but it will improve. Try not to be alarmed.
- The appearance in the first few days is not how they will look once healed.
- Tightness, watering, mild blurring from ointment, and light sensitivity are common.
Pain and Swelling
- Mild discomfort is expected and usually improves within a few days.
- During the first couple of nights it might help to use cold compresses (no ice) on the area for a few minutes a time.
- Keeping your head elevated while resting can help reduce swelling.
- Bruising often peaks around day 2–3 and then gradually fades. Most patients will see a dramatic improvement in bruising at the end of the first week and almost definitely at the end of the second week.
Wound Care & Hygiene
- Keep the area clean and dry unless advised otherwise. If the steri-strips (dressings) get accidentally wet just gently pat dry over them with a clean towel.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.
- You may clean gently around the area with cooled boiled water.
After Eyelid Surgery
- Slight blurring may occur due to swelling or ointment. If this is long-lasting or associated with pain please let us know as soon as possible or go to A&E if it is out of hours.
- Avoid activities that require sharp vision until your sight feels clear.
- Contact lenses should not be worn for two weeks —usually after the incisions have healed.
- You may shower normally, keeping water away from your eyes.
- It might be a good idea to use baby shampoo or unperfumed shampoo to avoid irritating the eye if the water accidentally gets into your eyes.
- Avoid direct water pressure on the face for the first week.
For the first 1–2 weeks:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity. This is very important. It will help greatly with the likelihood of bleeding and degree of bruising.
- Avoid bending, heavy lifting, or anything that increases pressure in the head.
- Take short, gentle walks to keep mobile.
Avoid:
- Smoking (as it delays healing)
- Alcohol in the first few days (can worsen swelling)
- Driving until your vision feels normal and you can stop safely
- Most patients take 1–2 weeks off work, depending on swelling and comfort and their job.
- Bruising may be visible for up to 10–14 days.
- Make-up should not be applied until the wounds are fully healed and stitches have dissolved or been removed.
- Bruising and swelling
- Pink or slightly lumpy scars especially the ones on the sides of the eyelid they take longer to soften and become less pink (which soften over time)
- Mild dryness or watering
- Feeling tired or emotional while recovering
These usually improve steadily over the first few weeks.
- Most swelling settles by 2–4 weeks.
- Scars continue to soften and fade over several months.
- Protect the eyelids from sun exposure using sunglasses and SPF once healed.
- We give you a 6 week and 6 month appointment. But if you have concerns in the meantime do not hesitate to contact us.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery, please contact the clinic.
Follow-Up Appointment
When to Seek Medical Advice
- Sudden severe swelling or bruising especially on one side. .
- Increasing redness, warmth, or discharge from the wounds
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Vision changes that worry you (e.g., loss of vision, severe pain, double vision)
- Side effects from medication such as rash, nausea, headache, or vomiting.
- A temperature above 38°C.
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Severe or worsening pain not helped by medication
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