Are you considering lid surgery as a way to rejuvenate your appearance? If so, know that there’s no wrong time to do so. Not only can it help boost your confidence, but it can change the way you experience daily life in a positive way.
The key to a good eyelid surgery recovery is to prepare yourself well in advance. This is especially important if this is your first surgery and you might not be used to having downtime after surgery. We hope this guide helps you as you prepare for surgery and after.
1. Get Lots of Rest
Getting lots of rest is one of the most important parts of having a smooth recovery from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). Make sure you get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night.
Avoid activities that require strenuous physical activity, as this will put extra strain on your eyes. Additionally, take any medications your doctor prescribes as directed and on time.
Good nutrition during your recovery is also essential, so make sure you hydrate with plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet. If you experience any changes in vision, pain, or other complications after your surgery, contact your eye doctor right away and follow their instructions to promote a successful recovery.
2. Utilize Cold Packs to Reduce Swelling
It is important for patients to utilize cold packs to reduce swelling. Cold packs reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the area, helping to reduce pain and promote healing.
To make sure swelling is reduced after eyelid surgery, patients should apply a cold pack to the eyelids every few hours, starting within 24 hours of the procedure. To make a cold pack, wrap a few ice cubes in a thin cloth or towel; never put ice directly on the skin as this can cause damage.
3. Clean Gently With Warm Cloths
One of the most important tips for having a smooth eyelid surgery recovery is to clean gently with warm clothes. Heat can help to soothe the skin around the eyes and promote healing. It’s important to avoid using hot water or harsh cleaning products. If you are getting an eye-lid surgery, it is always better to take advice from a blepharoplasty surgeon before trying anything post surgery.
Instead, gently wipe the eyelids and eye area with mild soap and warm water. Rinse with a soft wet cloth and blot dry with a soft, clean cloth. Follow up with a mild moisturizer to seal in moisture and help keep the skin hydrated.
4. Avoid Contact Lenses During Recovery
Another important tip for a smooth recovery includes avoiding contact lenses during the healing process. Not wearing contact lenses during recovery is important to allow the eyelid area to heal and rest properly. Additionally, wearing contact lenses too soon can cause the eye to remain irritated and produce a longer healing time.
It is recommended to refrain from wearing contacts until full healing has occurred, this may be up to three weeks for some individuals. If contacts are needed during recovery, opt for wearing glasses instead. Additionally, it is important to follow doctors’ orders regarding medications and recovery plans.
Applying additional lubricating eye drops as instructed can help keep the eyes moist and avoid further irritation.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is essential for a smooth and successful eyelid surgery recovery. Nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats are all important for supporting wound healing and the immune system. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide you with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help your body repair itself.
Additionally, you should be sure to get enough B vitamins, vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health. Healthy fats such as olive and flaxseed oils provide essential energy for the body and reduce inflammation and help promote wound healing. In addition, it’s important to stay hydrated after surgery by drinking plenty of water.
6. Sun Protection Is Essential
It is important to apply strong sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the surgical area to prevent sun damage. Also, make sure to wear sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat when outside. For the first week post-procedure, try to stay out of the sun altogether or limit your sun exposure to 15 minutes or less.
Additionally, wash the surgical area with a mild cleanser once a day, gently pat dry and apply ointment as instructed by your surgeon. Make sure to keep the eye area clean and hydrated throughout the recovery process.
7. Stop Smoking
It is essential to stop smoking when having an eyelid surgery recovery. Nicotine not only affects blood circulation and healing, but smoking also affects the skin’s ability to heal and can cause infection and other complications that can result in poor surgical results. Ideally, it is best to stop smoking at least four weeks before the eyelid surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
It is important to keep the surgical area clean and follow all aftercare instructions from the doctor, such as keeping the eyes lubricated and exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure to schedule follow-up visits to monitor your eyelid surgery recovery, and do not engage in any strenuous activity during recovery.
Read More About Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery recovery is an individual experience and proper pre and post-operative instructions should be followed for optimal results.
In some cases, there could be minimal discomfort and bruising, but it should subside with time. For more information on eyelid surgery recovery, get in touch with your surgeon today.
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