- Recovering well after blepharoplasty is essential for achieving long-lasting results. Proper post-op care helps reduce swelling, prevent complications, and ensure your eyes heal smoothly.
- On the other hand, certain mistakes during recovery can lead to prolonged swelling, scarring, or even functional issues such as difficulty closing the eyes.
- This guide highlights eight of the most common mistakes people make in this phase and offers practical advice on how to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
1. Not Following Post-Operative Instructions
Post-op instructions are designed to promote safe recovery and protect the delicate eye tissue. Failing to adhere to these guidelines is the most common mistake patients make. This mistake, however, has significant consequences as it can lead to infections, increased swelling, or delayed healing.
What To Do Instead of Ignoring Post-Op Care:
- Read and follow all post-op eye care health tips carefully.
- Use the recommended cold compresses and eye drops.
2. Engaging in Strenuous Activities Too Soon
Resuming high-impact exercises or heavy lifting before your surgeon clears you can raise your blood pressure and stress the healing eye tissues. This can cause bleeding, swelling, bruising, and increased pain, all factors that delay healing.
What To Do Instead of Strenuous Exercise:
- Rest for at least two weeks post-surgery.
- Take short, gentle walks once approved.
- Avoid intense exercise until your surgeon clears you.
- Gradually resume activity based on recovery progress.
3. Sleeping in the Wrong Position
Sleeping flat on your stomach puts pressure on your eyelids, which can worsen swelling and increase the risk of incision reopening. Poor positioning during sleep can also cause asymmetry or discomfort in the eye area.
What To Do Instead of Sleeping Flat:
- Avoid sleeping on your side or stomach during recovery.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated on supportive pillows.
4. Exposing Your Eyes to Heat, Sun, or Water
Excessive sun exposure and heat can irritate your healing skin and lead to complications after blepharoplasty, including pigmentation changes. Exposure to water from swimming or hot showers is another mistake that can introduce bacteria into the eye and disturb incisions.
What To Do Instead of Exposing the Eyes to Irritants:
- Apply sunscreen around your eyes.
- Protect your eyes with UV sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats outdoors.
- Delay swimming and water activities for at least two weeks.
- Take showers from the neck down and avoid direct water on incisions.
5. Touching, Rubbing, or Applying Pressure to Your Eyes
Your eyelids are sensitive during healing. Rubbing or pressing can cause wound reopening, infection, or scarring. It can also disturb sutures and disrupt healing incisions.
What To Do Instead of Disturbing Eye Sutures:
- Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes.
- Use a shield at night to prevent contact.
6. Wearing Makeup or Contact Lenses Too Early
Applying makeup or wearing contact lenses before full healing can introduce bacteria to the wound and irritate the surgical site, increasing the risk of infection and delayed recovery.
What To Do Instead of Wearing Makeup or Contact Lenses:
- Use glasses during the initial healing period.
- Wait at least two weeks before resuming eye makeup.
- Keep the surgical area clean and free of foreign substances.
7. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking impairs blood flow and delays healing. Alcohol causes dehydration and increases bruising. Both can elevate the risk of complications and prolong recovery.
What To Do Instead of Smoking and Drinking:
- Stay hydrated and follow a healthy, nutrient-rich diet.
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery.
- Consult your surgeon about when it’s safe to resume these habits.
8. Skipping Medications and Follow-up Appointments
The last mistake people make after eyelid surgery is skipping medications and follow-up appointments. This neglect can hide complications such as infection or swelling and affect your final results.
What To Do Instead of Neglecting Care:
- Attend all follow-up visits.
- Take all medications exactly as prescribed.
- Report symptoms such as severe pain or changes in your vision.
Ensure a Smooth Recovery
Avoiding these common recovery mistakes can make a significant difference in your results. Patience, adherence to instructions, and self-care are key to effective healing and ensuring your eyelid surgery yields natural, lasting improvements.
Remember, every patient heals at a different pace. Trust your surgeon’s guidance and give your body the time it needs to heal. A careful, cautious approach will help you enjoy your refreshed appearance for years to come.
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.
