Medical expert of the article
New publications
Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): postoperative care
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Patients are instructed to rest for the rest of the day, preferably supine with two pillows. Ice packs are used continuously during the daytime, and eye ointment is applied to the incisions several times a day. Pain is minimal and is relieved with acetaminophen or acetaminophen with codeine. Patients should not watch television or read for the first 24 hours. Patients accustomed to regular physical labor should also avoid strenuous activity. Men should be especially warned about postoperative behavior. The surgeon and his or her staff should be available for any questions from the patient, family, or caregivers.
When Prolene is used to close wounds, the sutures are removed on the fourth postoperative day. Other sutures are removed depending on their individual characteristics. Silk sutures should be removed from the eyelids after 24 hours to prevent the formation of suture tunnels and marks. Nylon may also leave marks if left in the tissue for more than 3 days. Reactions to Prolene are rare. During suture removal, the wound should be carefully inspected for any discrepancy or separation of its edges. Any of these conditions require "shagging" the wound edges and replacing the sutures for another 24-48 hours. The lateral edge of the wound, since it in many cases continues onto the facial skin, beyond the orbit, may become noticeable. This is due to the difference in the thickness of the eyelid skin and the facial skin beyond the orbital rim. The lateral portion of the incision will not be noticeable unless great care is taken after surgery. In any case, even if the wound looks fine when the stitches are removed on the 4th day, it is necessary to reinforce it with 3-mm adhesive surgical strips or surgical glue for another 24-48 hours. Patients can apply cosmetics to the upper eyelids six days after surgery. Light physical activity can begin after 10 days and gradually increase to full load after 4 weeks. Patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight for 6 weeks.