Caring for Blepharoplasty Incisions: Your Essential Guide
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Immediately after your blepharoplasty surgery, it is essential not to disturb or manipulate the incisions until your first post-operative appointment, which typically takes place 24 hours after the procedure. The incisions are closed with non-absorbable sutures and may have a coat of antibiotic ointment. In some cases, absorbable sutures may be used, and the incisions covered with steri-strips. During your initial visit, any post-operative dressing will be removed, so consider bringing a scarf to manage disheveled hair on your trip home.
Incision Cleaning and Showering
You may shower or wash over the steri-strips or exposed suture material. However, refrain from bathing or submerging the blepharoplasty incisions for at least 3 weeks post-surgery. When applying soap, rinsing, and drying, be gentle and pat the incisions. After drying, steri-strip-covered incisions require no additional attention. For incisions with exposed sutures, apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment after drying. Trim frayed edges of the steri-strips when necessary. Eventually, the steri-strips can be removed, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Monitoring and Special Considerations
Maintaining clean and dry incisions fosters aesthetically pleasing healing with minimal scarring. Avoid allowing scabs to accumulate; if present, gently remove them with a peroxide-soaked q-tip. Watch for signs of potential issues, as outlined below. Surgeons typically avoid using drains during surgery, but they might become necessary if diffuse bleeding requires further management. If drains are in place, medical professionals will typically remove them within one to three days. Surgeons will remove non-absorbable sutures approximately seven days after the surgery. Incisions behind the hairline/scalp will have clips or sutures removed 10-14 days post-surgery.
Sun Protection and Tanning
Avoid sun exposure and tanning UV light for at least one year. After four weeks post-surgery, you may begin tanning while keeping incisions covered. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a product with SPF of at least 30.
Discontinuing Gel Pad Application
On the third day after surgery, discontinue the use of gel pads.
Conclusion: Optimal Incision Care for a Successful Recovery
Caring for your blepharoplasty incisions with diligence and following these essential guidelines is crucial for ensuring a successful recovery. By maintaining cleanliness, avoiding scabs, and protecting the incisions from sun exposure, you contribute to the best possible aesthetic outcome. Remember to follow your surgeon’s advice and seek their guidance for any concerns or issues that may arise during your healing process.
Check out our gallery of before and after images for blepharoplasty here.
