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Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Your Procedure

You have had eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) often combined with ptosis repair.

What to Expect

It is normal to be very swollen, and sometimes your eyelids may even swell shut.  This is not usually very painful, and typically resolves in about 24-48 hours or so, though the bruising can last upwards of a week or more. Incisions can weep a small amount of blood, and you can also have blood stained tears and nasal discharge.  Your eyes may tear excessively.  All of this is normal, and will settle down.
Lower eyelid surgery especially can result in a lot of bruising and swelling including fluid in the lining of the eye (chemosis) that takes several weeks to improve.

Surgical Site Care

You may shower the day after surgery.  Place a tiny amount of vaseline or supplied ointment on your eyelid incision, just enough to moisten the skin, but avoid getting it in your eyes.  Avoid scratching and rubbing at the incisions if possible.  Placing a cool cloth or a well wrapped bag of ice over your forehead or temples will help bring down the swelling.  It is also helpful to sleep with an extra pillow or otherwise elevate your head slightly when lying down.
For upper eyelid surgery, you may have a suture tied at either end of the eyelid, sometimes secured with a small piece of white tape or a steri-strip. They can get wet. Pad the area dry with a towel.
For lower eyelid surgery, you may have small “bolster dressings” on the cheek below your eyelids secured with a stitch. Leave these in place and try not to touch them. They can get wet. Pad the area dry with a towel.

Activity and Care at Home

You can walk around at home, but avoid strenuous activities and all exercise or sport.  Avoid smoking or being around a smoker as this can seriously compromise wound healing.  You should not drive within the first 24 hours, while you are taking any pain medication, or while your eyelids are swollen and you have difficulty seeing.
Please avoid any strenuous activity, working out, or sports for 4 weeks.

Medications and Pain Management

Most people have little pain postoperatively, typically controlled on Tylenol alone.  Avoid taking aspirin or other medications that may cause bleeding.  You may also have a prescription for a narcotic medication.  Only take this if needed.  If your eyes feel excessively dry, you can lubricate them with over-the-counter artificial tears.

What to watch for / when to call / who to call

If any of the following occur, please call the office:

  • Uncontrollable pain

  • Loss of vision in one eye

  • Uncontrolled bleeding 

  • Purulent or malodorous discharge

Even if you are going to the Emergency Department at the hospital, a call to the surgeon can save you a significant wait.

Follow-up

Your follow-up should be pre-arranged at the time of surgical booking. If you are unsure of the date, please contact the office. Sutures are usually removed about 1 week after surgery.
Further wound care and scar care will be discussed at your follow-up appointment.  Please avoid all creams, gels, vitamin E, or other ‘scar products’ for the first week after surgery.

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