Upper Blepharoplasty Aftercare

What to expect after the operation

• After the surgery you should not drive or use machinery for at least 24 hours, until you have recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.
• It is common to find it hard to close the eyes in the first week
• When you sleep your eyes will be slightly open and so we give you some ointment to put in the eye at bedtime
• It is common to have watery eyes after an eyelid reduction, partly because of swelling under the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eye socket) and partly because the tear ducts are swollen and do not drain properly. This will last a few weeks. 
• The black eyes move downwards into the lower eyelid and often get ‘panda eyes’.
• The dressings across the wound can get blood soaked and try to peel off – they typically stay intact
• Do not pull the thread ends of the suture holding the skin closed there will be a blue end of suture from either end of the scar
• You can wear eye masks but do not overly ice the eyes – this can cause more issues.
• may have a little bleeding from your eyelids for the first day or two after your operation. Dab this away gently with gauze squares or a clean handkerchief.
• Activities that increase the blood flow in your face (for example, bending over, straining, lifting or taking a hot bath) may increase the chance of bleeding, so avoid these for the first week.
• Sleep with extra pillows to keep your head raised and be gentle with your eyelids for at least another month. You can gently clean your eyes with wet gauze.
• You will be able to do light activities after one or two weeks. Most patients take a week off work after the operation, depending on their job.
• After 1 week you should be able to drive.

Stitches

• The stitches are usually removed around 6-10 days , and you will be able to use make-up soon after.

Seeing the results

• At first your eye skin may seem too tight and swollen, and one side will look ‘nicer’ than the other – this asymmetry lasts the first week of recovery.
• The scars will be pink for a few months, but eventually they become almost invisible. You can use make-up once the sutures are removed
• The scars may also become tight after a few weeks, but this normally settles after four to six months. 

Emergencies to look out for

• Whilst very rare (and not seen in our practice) major bleeding after surgery can cause swelling, a change in colour, and pain, usually just on one side. If the bleeding is inside the eye socket it can cause headaches and affect vision. If this happens, go straight to your nearest A&E department.