After care
First Week Post-Operative
Activity Restrictions
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
- No bending, stretching, or straining
- Light walking acceptable after 2-3 days
- Avoid contact sports and high-impact activities
- Return to normal activity gradually and only as approved
Swelling and Bruising Management
- Peak swelling typically occurs at 48-72 hours
- Bruising may worsen before improving (normal)
- Continue ice packs for first 3-4 days
- Switch to warm compresses after day 4-5
- Elevation continues to help reduce swelling
- Arnica supplements may help reduce bruising
- Sleeping elevated helps reduce morning swelling
Incision Care
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- If drainage occurs, gently clean with sterile gauze
- Avoid swimming and baths until cleared by surgeon
- Showers acceptable if dressings can stay dry
- Pat dry gently; never rub incision sites
- Follow surgeon's specific instructions for dressing changes
Cleansing and Hygiene
- Avoid washing face directly for first 3-4 days
- Use wet cloth to gently clean around surgical sites
- After suture removal: gentle cleansing with mild cleanser acceptable
- Hair washing must keep water away from incisions
- Avoid hot water on surgical areas
Medication Restrictions
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for first 1-2 weeks if possible
- Can increase bleeding and bruising
- Acetaminophen acceptable for pain management
- Ask surgeon before resuming any regular medications
- Continue prescribed antibiotics until finished
Substance Restrictions
- No smoking for minimum 1-2 weeks (preferably longer)
- Smoking impairs healing and increases complications
- No alcohol for minimum 48 hours to 1 week
- Avoid recreational drugs (may interact with medications)
- Caffeine acceptable in moderation
Heat Exposure Restrictions
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs for 1-2 weeks
- Heat increases swelling and bleeding risk
- Avoid hot showers; use lukewarm water instead
- No sunbathing or tanning beds
- Avoid strenuous exercise that causes sweating
Driving
- Do not drive while taking pain medications
- No driving for at least 24-48 hours after surgery
- Ensure comfortable sitting position before resuming
- Have someone else drive for first few days if possible
Return to Work
- Depends on type of surgery and job requirements
- Most office work: 1-2 weeks
- Physical jobs: 2-4 weeks or longer
- Discuss with surgeon before returning to work
Weeks 2-4 Post-Operative
Activity Progression
- Light exercise may resume after 1-2 weeks
- Gradually increase activity level as tolerated
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks
- Contact sports: typically wait 3-4 weeks minimum
- Discuss specific activities with surgeon
Swelling Reduction
- Most swelling improves significantly by week 2-3
- Some residual swelling may persist for weeks to months
- Continue elevation when possible
- Lymphatic massage may help reduce swelling (if approved)
- Compression garments if prescribed should be worn as directed
Scar Management
- Scars appear red and raised initially (normal)
- Will gradually fade and flatten over months
- Avoid direct sun exposure to scars (prevents darkening)
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on scars when needed
- Scar care products may be recommended after healing
Incision Care (Post-Suture Removal)
- After suture removal: gentle cleansing acceptable
- Normal showering can resume
- Gradually return to normal skincare routine
- Continue sun protection on scars
- Avoid picking or scratching healing areas
Makeup and Personal Care
- Facial surgery: avoid makeup until sutures removed
- After suture removal: mineral or gentle makeup acceptable
- Contact lenses: discuss with surgeon about timing
- Hair care: avoid products near incisions until healed
- Deodorant: avoid if near surgical site
Exercise and Activity
- Light walking encouraged to improve circulation
- Gentle stretching acceptable
- Avoid heavy lifting (over 10-15 pounds) for 3-4 weeks
- No running or high-impact exercise for 2-4 weeks
- Return to full activity gradually
Heat Exposure
- After first 1-2 weeks, gentle heat acceptable
- Avoid excessive heat that increases swelling
- Swimming may resume after sutures removed and site is fully healed
- Sauna/steam: typically safe after 2-3 weeks if no open incisions
- Chlorine exposure: be cautious with fresh wounds
Months 2-3 Post-Operative
Return to Normal Activities
- Most restrictions lifted by 6-8 weeks
- Full activity resumable after 8-12 weeks
- Discuss timeline with surgeon for specific activities
- Results continue improving over several months
Scar Evolution
- Scars continue to fade over 6-12 months
- Red/raised appearance gradually improves
- Final appearance often not evident for 1 year
- Sun protection remains important during this time
- Scar treatments may be beneficial if needed
Final Results Assessment
- Initial results visible by 2-3 weeks
- Continued improvement over 1-3 months
- Final results often evident at 6-12 months
- Swelling fully resolves in most cases by 3 months
- Schedule follow-up with surgeon if concerns arise
PROCEDURE-SPECIFIC AFTERCARE
EYELID SURGERY (Blepharoplasty)
Immediate Care (First 24-48 Hours)
- Ice packs for eyes 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours
- Keep head elevated constantly
- Sleep on back with extra pillows
- Avoid rubbing or pressing eyes
- Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from light and wind
First Week
- Continue ice packs for 3-4 days
- Switch to warm compresses from day 4-5
- Keep sutures dry until removal
- Gentle warm water cleansing only (no soap near eyes)
- Eye drops may be prescribed; use as directed
- Lubricating ointment may help reduce dryness
Weeks 2-4
- After suture removal: gentle cleansing acceptable
- Contact lenses: wait 1-2 weeks after suture removal
- Makeup: wait until sutures removed; mineral makeup preferred
- Avoid pulling eyelids or heavy eye movements
- Continued sun protection important
Activity Timeline
- Light activity: 3-4 days
- Office work: 1-2 weeks
- Contact sports: 3-4 weeks
- Swimming: after sutures removed and fully healed (2-3 weeks)
- Full recovery: 4-6 weeks