Discover our technical expertise and creativity dedicated to eyelid surgery in Switzerland.

On this page you will find useful information about cosmetic eye surgery and post-blepharoplasty care . We then invite you to discuss your plans during a medical consultation at Quai Perdonnet 3 – 1800 VEVEY or at Avenue Mon-Repos 14 – 1005 LAUSANNE.

   In consultation with the Doctor Stéphane SmarritoTime will be taken to answer all your questions professionally and kindly! We can then discuss together the implementation of your Blepharoplasty in Lausanne.

Post-operative care after blepharoplasty

Any eyelid surgery may affect the tear film that naturally protects your eyes. You will need to use artificial tears/drops every hour while awake and a lubricating ointment before going to sleep. It is best to use a preservative-free medication as it is less likely to further irritate the eyes. Swelling is at its peak after two days. Swelling and bruising will continue to develop over the next week but will have significantly decreased after 2 to 3 weeks. Remember that all of this resolves over time and does not affect the results. Swelling and bruising around the eyes vary from patient to patient.

Post-operative instructions: Blepharoplasty

Discomfort should be well managed with the provided pain and anxiety medication. Often, the most common complaint is not pain, but rather a feeling of eye irritation due to swelling. You can place cold compresses on your eyes for the first two days or longer to relieve swelling and discomfort. Do not put ice on your eyelids. You will be provided with the necessary supplies for this purpose. It is advisable that you sleep upright on your back and avoid turning onto your side to prevent any accidental injury during sleep. Some people use a recliner, others several pillows in bed.

What to expect after blepharoplasty

You can shower the day after the operation. Clean your incision(s) once a day with hydrogen peroxide for the first two days. Apply an antibiotic ointment with a Q-tip applicator lightly along the stitch lines every morning and before bed until the stitches are removed.
The stitches will be removed after 3 to 4 days.
You will receive a card indicating your appointment times upon your discharge from the surgical center. After the stitches are removed, adhesive tape will be applied. This tape must be worn continuously until two weeks after the operation. During the third and fourth weeks, you will tape your own incisions before going to sleep. We will show you how to apply the tape to the incisions.

Be patient and follow the treatment diligently.

• Restrictions
  Avoid excessive bending or stooping. These movements increase pressure on the face, which can cause bleeding and worsen swelling.
• Do not lift anything heavier than 3 kg for the first two weeks. Strenuous exercise can be resumed after 5-6 weeks. Light contact sports can be resumed after 6-8 weeks.
• Avoid the sun completely while the bruises are present.
• You must protect yourself more and minimize sun exposure for six months following the operation or until the scars have completely healed.
• No nicotine or tobacco for two weeks following the operation
• No medications that could cause swelling and bleeding for two weeks following the operation.
• Do not use contact lenses until at least one week after the operation.

Advice for the care and healing of blepharoplasty incisions

With proper post-operative care, you should minimize the risk of complications and promote barely visible healing. Here are some tips to guide you:
• Clean the incision with a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water three times a day. (or as instructed by your surgeon)
• Avoid direct sun exposure for six months.
• Use the prescribed eye drops to relieve your eyes and keep them hydrated.
• Apply the prescribed antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the incision to keep it moisturized.
• Allow the incision sites to dry after showering or bathing. If necessary, you can gently pat the eyelids dry.
• Always pay attention to signs of infection (redness, pain, oozing, warmth to the touch).
• Gently massage the incision area with vitamin E for up to six weeks after the operation.
• Attend your follow-up appointments as recommended.

8 tips for faster healing after blepharoplasty

1. Here are some important tips to help speed up your recovery: Give your eyes a rest. Take time off work, get a ride, and sleep. Get plenty of sleep. The body naturally recovers during sleep, and your eyes will get a much-needed rest.
2. Cooling down: It's not necessary to keep an ice pack on 24/24, but avoid overheating as much as possible. This means not exposing yourself to the sun, not taking hot showers, and not taking prolonged hot baths.
3. Keep clean: In addition to keeping the incision site clean and free of irritants, it's also important to eat healthily and fuel your body as best as possible for recovery. Drink plenty of fluids so your body has the nutrients it needs to heal. Avoid nicotine, as it can slow down the healing process.
4. Sleeping in the correct position: After a blepharoplastyIt is recommended that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 3 to 4 weeks. This helps reduce eyelid swelling and speeds up recovery. Sleeping on your stomach can cause accidental trauma to the blepharoplasty incisions and should be avoided.
5. Use cold compresses and ice packs: These are the best methods for reducing swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty. Be sure to use clean towels and avoid applying ice directly to your wounds without covering them.
6. Wear sunglasses: For 1 to 2 weeks after blepharoplasty, your eyes will be sensitive to sunlight. This can cause irritation, redness, and eye pain. Therefore, it is recommended that you wear large, polarized sunglasses that adequately protect your eyes from sunlight.
7. Wear sunscreen: Excessive sun exposure can disrupt the eyelid healing process. It can lead to overgrowth and hyperpigmentation of your scar. Therefore, you must wear sunscreen once your incisions have healed, and for at least 1 to 3 months after your blepharoplasty, to allow your eyelids to settle without complications.
8. Avoid touching, rubbing, and scratching your eyes: The first few days after blepharoplasty can be a little frustrating. You'll struggle with the urge to avoid touching and scratching your eyes. This must be avoided at all costs, as it can injure the eyelid wounds and cause them to open.

The Doctor's Message Stéphane SMARRITO

Article written by the Doctor Stéphane Smarrito cosmetic surgeon in Switzerland