Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Patient Instructions

(Outpatient Surgical Facility)

Post-Operative Instructions for Blepharoplasty

Shower well. Shampoo hair thoroughly and use antibacterial soap on face and body.
Wear loose, cool, comfortable clothing. Button-up or zip-up shirts are preferred.
Do not wear makeup, lotion, skin products, sunblock, deodorant, or hair products.
Remove jewelry, piercings, and contact lenses.
Remove hair extensions, weaves, braids, and lash extensions if possible, as they can harbor bacteria.
You will need an adult friend or relative to drive you home.

Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated 45 degrees. Use a recliner, wedge pillow, or multiple pillows.
Apply cold compresses for 15–20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 3 days.
Get up slowly and walk slowly but regularly with assistance to promote circulation.
Avoid bending, straining, or lifting.
You may feel weak and dehydrated, so be careful of falling. Stay hydrated.
You may shower 48 hours after surgery, but be careful of falling.
Use gentle pressure and lukewarm water. Do not rub incisions.

Take oral antibiotics as prescribed until finished. Notify the office if you have any reactions.
Use antibiotic eye ointment as described below.
Use prescribed pain medication or Tylenol if pain is mild.
Do not exceed 4,000 mg of Tylenol in 24 hours.
Begin stool softener when taking narcotic pain medication. Do not force or strain during bowel movements.
Take your Medrol steroid dose pack as instructed.

Clean incisions gently with Q-tips dipped in diluted hydrogen peroxide 3–4 times a day.
“Roll the Q-tip.” Do not scrub.
Mix half peroxide with half water in the cap, then discard excess.
Apply prescribed eye ointment as directed 3–4 times a day very gently.
Apply ointment to eyeballs and incisions to keep them lubricated.
DO NOT pull down on the lower eyelid.
Scratchy eyes usually mean you are not putting enough ointment, lubricant, or drops in the eyes.
Do not pick or pull at incisions.
Sutures are typically removed 1 week after surgery.
Protect skin and incisions from sun exposure. Use a large hat.
Do not rub eyes. Be gentle. Incisions can open in the first 3 weeks if handled roughly.
Avoid tight-neck shirts such as turtlenecks.

Fever greater than 101°F.
Severe or worsening swelling.
Excessive bleeding.
Rash, severe itching, or blisters.
Call 911 if you experience shortness of breath or chest pain.
Call 911 if you have a sudden increase in pain or swelling, or sudden loss of vision.