RECOVERY GUIDE
Blepharoplasty Recovery Guide
Congratulations on your procedure. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle. Careful adherence to these instructions is essential for a safe recovery and the best possible aesthetic result.
48h
COLD COMPRESSES POST-SURGERY
7–10
DAYS TO SUTURE REMOVAL
2wk
BEFORE LIGHT ACTIVITY RESUMES
3–6mo
FULL FINAL RESULT
DAY OF SURGERY — FIRST 24 HOURS
- Rest with head elevated 30–45° — use 2–3 pillows or a recliner
- Apply cold compresses 10–15 min every hour while awake
- Expect swelling, bruising, and mild tearing — entirely normal
- Do not drive; arrange a companion to take you home
- Take prescribed pain medication as needed
DAYS 2–5 — EARLY HEALING
- Continue cold compresses 48 h; then switch to warm compresses
- Gently clean lids with saline or diluted baby shampoo
- Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment to incision lines
- Use prescribed lubricating drops for dryness and irritation
- Peak swelling on day 2–3, then gradually resolves
DAYS 7–10 — SUTURE REMOVAL
- Sutures removed at your follow-up visit (~day 7–10)
- Return to light desk work and social activities
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward, or straining
- Wear dark sunglasses outdoors
WEEKS 2–6 — PROGRESSIVE RECOVERY
- Most bruising and swelling resolved by week 2–3
- Light exercise after 2 weeks; strenuous after 4–6 weeks
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to incision areas once healed
- Final results in 3–6 months as scars fully soften
DO'S
✓ Keep head elevated, especially during sleep (first week)
✓ Use all prescribed drops and ointment on schedule
✓ Wear sunglasses outdoors throughout recovery
✓ Sleep on your back to minimize eyelid swelling
✓ Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
AVOID
✗ Rubbing or touching your eyes
✗ Contact lenses or eye makeup for 2 weeks
✗ Swimming, hot tubs, or saunas for 4 weeks
✗ Aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners unless medically necessary
✗ Strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks
CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF
▸ Sudden or worsening vision changes
▸ Increasing pain, redness, or swelling after day 3
▸ Signs of infection: fever, pus, warmth at incision site
▸ Inability to fully close your eyelids
▸ Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure