Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is an incredibly popular cosmetic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 120,000 people underwent blepharoplasty in 2023, landing it in the top five most requested plastic surgery procedures overall for that year.
While the incisions used in eyelid surgery are skillfully hidden, they will require sutures afterward. In this blog, we cover what you need to know about blepharoplasty stitches, from aftercare to removal.
How to Care for Stitches After Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Khoury will provide you with comprehensive instructions for caring for your blepharoplasty sutures after surgery. Instructions during your blepharoplasty recovery may include:
- Gently cleanse the treatment area with an approved cleanser and dab; don’t rub.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria or causing irritation of the incisions.
- Use any prescribed eye drops or antibiotic ointments as instructed to encourage healing, keep the incision sites clean, avoid infection, and help keep you comfortable as you recover.
When Are Blepharoplasty Stitches Removed?
There can be two types of sutures used in blepharoplasty: absorbable and non-absorbable. If you have absorbable stitches, these stitches do not need to be removed, as they eventually dissolve. Non-absorbable sutures are typically removed about six to eight days after your eyelid lift.
How to Support the Healing Process for Blepharoplasty Sutures
As with any surgery, you may experience some discomfort after your blepharoplasty surgery. If your sutures are causing irritation, you can utilize the following tips:
- Apply cold compresses.
- Avoid itching or rubbing the area.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated to help minimize swelling.
- Rest your eyes, avoiding excessive blue light from screens and harsh artificial lighting.
- Stay hydrated to keep your eyes moisturized with ointments suggested by Dr. Khoury.
Following these guidelines can help you manage any discomfort after your eyelid surgery and help ensure a smoother recovery.
Blepharoplasty Stitches: What to Avoid
While the initial recovery process for eyelid surgery is one to two weeks, it can take up to three months or longer to heal completely. Some of the things you’ll want to avoid as you recover include:
- Rubbing or touching your eyes: Even though it was mentioned above, it is vital that you refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes to minimize the risk of infection or irritation.
- Strenuous activities: Any activities that increase blood pressure (including heavy lifting or intense workouts) can cause the vessels cut during surgery to bleed.
- Wearing contact lenses: Because contacts can irritate your eyes and require unnecessary touching around the incision sites, it is typically recommended that you only wear glasses for about four weeks after surgery.
- Wearing eye makeup: To minimize irritation and risk of infection, you should refrain from wearing eye makeup until your surgeon clears you.
- Sun and wind exposure: Wearing sunglasses outside will help protect your eyes from UV rays, as well as dryness and airborne irritants from wind.
What to Expect From Blepharoplasty Stitch Removal
When you come in for your suture removal after blepharoplasty, Dr. Khoury and his team will examine you to ensure you’re healing favorably. He will then remove the stitches individually, carefully clipping each one. The process is quick and virtually painless, and most patients only feel a slight pulling sensation as the sutures are taken out.
Once the sutures are removed, you will be given instructions on how to further care for the incision sites. You may experience temporary itching, stinging, or tightness around the treatment area, but these sensations are usually mild and resolve quickly.
Learn More About Blepharoplasty in Denver
If you have excess, sagging skin on your upper or lower eyelids, it may be time to explore the benefits of blepharoplasty. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Khoury to discover if an eyelid lift is right for you, call our office today at (720) 475-8400 or complete the online contact form.