7 Eyelid Surgery Recovery Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Results

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and tissue from the upper or lower eyelids. While the results can be transformative, achieving the best possible outcome doesn’t end when the surgery does. Proper post-surgery care is crucial for ensuring a smooth recovery and avoiding complications that could affect both your healing process and final results.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common mistakes people make after eyelid surgery and why avoiding these missteps can help you recover faster and achieve the youthful, refreshed look you desire.

Don’t touch or rub your eyes

One of the biggest mistakes you can make after eyelid surgery is touching or rubbing your eyes. While it may be tempting—especially if you experience itchiness, irritation, or swelling—doing so can interfere with your recovery. Rubbing your eyes or applying pressure can reopen incisions, delay the healing process, and increase the risk of infection.

Even gentle touching can introduce bacteria to the delicate surgical area, leading to complications such as infections or scarring. It's crucial to keep the area clean and avoid any unnecessary contact until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.

To manage discomfort, use the cold compresses or ointments recommended by your surgeon, and avoid using any non-prescribed products. If the itchiness becomes unbearable or you're concerned about how your eyes feel, consult your doctor rather than risking damage by touching the area. Proper care will ensure faster healing and a better overall outcome.

Don’t apply makeup too soon

After eyelid surgery, it’s essential to resist the urge to apply makeup too soon. While you may be eager to return to your beauty routine, using products like eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara on healing incisions can lead to serious complications. Applying makeup too early can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infections that may prolong recovery or cause scarring.

The delicate skin around your eyes needs time to heal, and cosmetics can irritate this sensitive area. Additionally, makeup removal often requires rubbing or pressure, which can disrupt stitches and slow down the healing process.

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two weeks before applying eye makeup, but it’s always best to follow your doctor’s specific advice. Until then, focus on keeping the area clean and using any prescribed ointments or moisturizers to support healing. By waiting until your skin is fully healed, you’ll not only protect the surgical site but also ensure you achieve the best cosmetic results in the long run.

Also Read: Blepharoplasty, Canthoplasty, Canthopexy: What Are All These Procedures?

Don’t use contact lenses too soon

After eyelid surgery, your eyes and the surrounding tissues are in a sensitive, healing state, making it crucial to avoid using contact lenses too soon. Wearing contact lenses can irritate the surgical area, disrupt healing incisions, and increase the risk of infection. Even the act of placing or removing lenses can put unnecessary pressure on your eyelids, potentially prolonging recovery.

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least two weeks before resuming the use of contact lenses, but the timeline may vary based on your healing progress. During this period, it’s best to switch to wearing glasses if you need vision correction. If your eyes feel dry or uncomfortable while healing, use any prescribed lubricating drops, but always check with your doctor before applying anything near the surgical site.

Don’t smoke or use nicotine products

Smoking and using nicotine products are major hindrances to proper healing after eyelid surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your healing tissues. This can lead to delayed recovery, increased risk of infection, and even complications such as poor wound healing or noticeable scarring.

In addition, smoking can cause more bruising and prolong swelling, as it impacts circulation and overall healing efficiency. If you’re a smoker, it’s crucial to stop at least two to four weeks before surgery and remain nicotine-free throughout your recovery. This includes avoiding all nicotine products, such as patches, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, as they can have similar effects.

Giving your body the best chance to heal properly not only ensures faster recovery but also helps you achieve the best aesthetic results from your surgery. Your surgeon may even refuse to perform the surgery if you’re actively smoking, so it’s vital to quit well in advance and stay committed to a smoke-free lifestyle during recovery.

Don’t forget sun protection

After eyelid surgery, protecting your eyes from the sun is crucial to avoid complications and ensure optimal healing. UV rays can damage the delicate, healing skin around your eyes, leading to increased swelling, prolonged redness, hyperpigmentation, and even scarring. Direct sun exposure can also worsen any post-surgical bruising, making it last longer and appear more pronounced.

For at least a few weeks after surgery, avoid spending extended time in the sun, especially during peak hours. When you do go outside, make sure to wear dark, UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes, along with a broad-brimmed hat for added protection. Additionally, once your doctor approves, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher around the eyes—but be cautious not to get it near your incisions.

By taking these precautions, you can help your skin heal properly and prevent any long-term damage or scarring from sun exposure, ensuring the best possible results from your eyelid surgery.

Don’t sleep without proper support

Getting adequate rest is crucial after eyelid surgery, but how you sleep can significantly impact your recovery. One of the most important post-op rules is to ensure your head is properly elevated while sleeping. Elevating your head helps reduce swelling and promotes better circulation, which can speed up the healing process. Lying flat or on your stomach can increase pressure around your eyes, causing additional swelling and discomfort, or even delaying your recovery.

To minimize these risks, it’s recommended to sleep with your head elevated at a 30- to 45-degree angle for at least the first week after surgery. Using an extra pillow or a wedge pillow can help you maintain this position. Additionally, sleeping on your back is key during this time, as side or stomach sleeping could unintentionally put pressure on your healing eyelids and disrupt your stitches or incisions.

By following these sleep guidelines, you’ll reduce the risk of complications and help ensure a smoother, faster recovery. Remember, the way you sleep in those first critical days can make a big difference in your overall healing and results.

Also Read: Aging Eyes: 5 Common Signs and How to Reverse Them

Don’t rush the healing process

Patience is key after eyelid surgery. While it’s natural to want to see immediate results, rushing the healing process can lead to setbacks and complications that could impact your final outcome. Recovery from eyelid surgery can take several weeks, with swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort persisting for a while. Pushing your body to heal faster—whether by returning to strenuous activities too soon or neglecting proper post-op care—can slow recovery or even damage the results.

It’s important to give your body the time it needs to heal fully. Follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully, including advice on when you can resume daily activities like exercise, work, or wearing makeup. Trying to speed up the process may cause further swelling, prolong bruising, or result in scarring.

Remember that healing is gradual. You may not see the final results for a few months, but staying patient and following your doctor’s guidelines will ensure a smoother recovery and the best aesthetic outcome. Trust the process, and give your body the time it needs to reveal its best results.