What Should You Avoid After an Eyelid Lift?

Patients who get eyelid surgery – called a blepharoplasty – need to follow specific aftercare instructions to get the best results possible.

After eyelid surgery, board-certified and fellowship-trained Oculo Plastic Facial and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Shoib Myint gives patients customized instructions for recovery. Myint Oculo Facial Plastic Surgery serves patients near Las Vegas, NV, Henderson, NV, Summerlin, NV?, Los Angeles, CA, and Beverly Hills, CA.

Below, you can find information on what patients are typically told to avoid following cosmetic surgery on the eyelids.

What can you expect from eyelid surgery?

Our eyes say a lot about us. Tired, droopy eyelids often give the impression that we’re too tired to listen or engage.

If your eyelids droop or you experience sagging that obscures your bottom lid (often called “hooded eyelids”), blepharoplasty can lift the lower and/or upper lids. This makes you look more youthful and alert, and can even improve vision for those with severe sagging. Removing excess tissue from the eyelids can also help reduce under-eye bags and dark circles, and decrease skin irritation caused by rubbing folds.

Upper blepharoplasty reduces the folds of skin that hang over the eye, and the incision is typically made in the eye’s crease. In a lower eyelid lift, Dr. Myint makes the incision below the lash line to improve undereye puffiness.

What can I expect after eyelid surgery?

Most patients receive dissolvable stitches after their blepharoplasty, which dissolve into the body as the eyelid heals. If you need regular stitches, they only need to stay in for about a week. Each patient will be different, so talking with Dr. Myint about your goals and expectations before surgery is crucial.

Your anesthesia, the length of your surgery, and your recovery time will all depend on the type of surgery you get. However, most people can expect a local anesthetic (though you may be able to choose more for comfort), a 1 – 3 hour surgery, and a recovery time of 7 – 14 days. However, there are some things you should avoid in order to get the best results after your eyelid surgery.

What to avoid after eyelid surgery

Upper eyelid surgery typically has a quicker recovery time (7 – 10 days) than lower eyelid surgery (10 – 14 days). You will need to take special care of your eyes and keep the eyes and skin around them lubricated for the duration of the primary recovery stage.

Most people take time off work to recover, and the surgery commonly causes bruising around the eyes. After the swelling goes down (within two weeks), you can resume most normal activities.

After your eyelid surgery, it’s crucial to avoid the following:

• Sun exposure: Wearing dark sunglasses, sunscreen with a high SPF, and a hat to avoid the wind are musts if you must be outside during recovery.

• Overuse of electronics: Your eyes will be sensitive and need rest during recovery. Overworking them by looking at a screen or squinting will not help recovery.

• Strenuous exercise: The skin around the eyes needs to be protected, and blood vessels in the area should not be overworked while healing. Avoid activities (such as cardio, weight lifting, and sports) to keep circulation normal.

• Making blood rush to the head: Avoid bending over, doing yoga inversions, and even lying flat on your back to avoid sending blood to the eyes and head.

• Smoking: Regardless of the type of surgery you get, smoking is known to delay healing.

Get eyelid surgery in Las Vegas, NV or Beverly Hills, CA

If you’re interested in getting more alert and youthful-looking eyes, and getting rid of excess skin above the eye or puffiness below the eye, you might be a good candidate for a blepharoplasty.

If you live near Henderson, NV, Summerlin, NV?, or Beverly Hills, CA, one of the best ways to learn more is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shoib Myint at Myint Oculo Facial Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV or Beverly Hills, CA.