Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) —
AFTER CARE

Immediately After Surgery (First 48 Hours)

• You will have small sterile strips or ointment applied over the incision lines, and your vision may be slightly blurry from lubricating eye ointment.
• Cold compresses are essential for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising — apply gently for 10–15 minutes every hour while awake.
• Keep your head elevated at 45° while resting or sleeping to minimize swelling.
• Tearing, mild burning, or sensitivity to light are common and temporary.
• Swelling and bruising start around the eyelids and may extend to the cheeks — this is normal.
• Do not rub or touch your eyes, and avoid bending over or straining.
• Use all prescribed antibiotic drops, ointments, and oral medications exactly as directed.
• You may feel tightness when blinking — this improves gradually.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses or makeup.
• Expect mild tearing and a feeling of “grittiness” as the eyes heal.

Goal: Control swelling, prevent infection, and protect delicate eyelid tissues.

Week 1 – Early Healing & Comfort

• Swelling and bruising peak during the first 3–4 days, then gradually fade.
• Use cold compresses regularly for the first 48 hours, then switch to warm compresses after day 3–4 to promote circulation.
• Keep using prescribed eye drops/ointments as directed.
• Sutures (if non-absorbable) are removed after 5–7 days.
• Mild light sensitivity and tearing are common.
• Avoid watching screens for long periods to reduce eye strain.
• Gentle walking indoors is allowed.
• Sleep with your head elevated at all times.

Goal: Minimize swelling, maintain incision hygiene, and begin comfortable eyelid movement.

Week 2 – Visible Improvement

• Most bruising and swelling improve significantly.
• The eyes begin to look more open and refreshed, though mild puffiness may persist in the morning.
• You may return to non-strenuous work or computer tasks.
• Suture lines may appear pink or slightly firm — this fades with time.
• Light makeup may be used to conceal bruises after suture removal (if approved).
• Avoid wearing contact lenses until week 3–4.
• Continue avoiding bending, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity.

Goal: Support tissue healing and allow return to light routine activity.

Weeks 3–4 – Settling & Refinement

• Swelling continues to diminish; residual firmness around incisions softens.
• Incision lines flatten and fade progressively.
• Mild numbness or tightness at outer corners is normal.
• You can resume light exercise and contact lens use if comfortable.
• Gentle scar massage or silicone gel (if recommended) can start after full incision closure.
• Sleep on your back and avoid pressure on the eyes.

Goal: Enhance comfort, scar quality, and early aesthetic outcome.

Weeks 5–6 – Natural Appearance Returns

• Eyelids feel softer and look more natural.
• Makeup and skincare can be resumed normally.
• Minor redness or firmness may persist but continues to fade.
• Most patients can resume normal social and work activities without visible bruising.
• Final contour begins to appear.

Goal: Continue supporting scar maturity and natural movement.

Months 3–6 – Final Refinement

• Swelling completely resolves, and eyelids appear smooth, natural, and rejuvenated.
• Scars become thin, pale, and nearly invisible in most cases.
• Numbness or tightness disappears.
• Final results are stable and long-lasting.

Goal: Achieve soft, natural, youthful eyelid contour.

Recovery & Lifestyle Tips

• Apply cold compresses for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses as advised.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, or salty foods, which can worsen swelling.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect from sunlight and wind.
• Stay hydrated and rest your eyes frequently.
• Avoid swimming, saunas, or heavy exercise for 4 weeks.
• Follow all follow-up appointments for wound checks and scar monitoring.

When to Contact Dr. Ahmed Khazbak

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This plan represents general recovery guidelines after eyelid surgery. Healing speed, medication use, massage timing, and return to activity vary by individual case and Dr. Ahmed Khazbak’s preference. Always follow Dr. Ahmed Khazbak’s personalised instructions.