How long after upper eyelid surgery should you avoid water, and how should you properly wash your face?

How long should you avoid water after upper eyelid surgery is a common question. In addition to diet, paying attention to hygiene in post-operative care is also an important factor that helps the wound heal quickly. Let’s explore this in detail with Dr. Eye in the following article.

1. Why should you avoid water after upper eyelid surgery?

After undergoing upper eyelid surgery, doctors usually advise avoiding water contact with the eye area, especially the newly operated wound. The skin around the surgical area is very sensitive, and the tissues and muscles are gradually healing, requiring time to recover. Contact with water can disrupt this healing tissue, causing pain, infection, and slowing down the healing process.

Additionally, water may contain many bacteria that can affect the eyelid wound. If the wound has not fully healed, contact with water may prevent the eyelid from settling into its natural crease, impacting the aesthetic results.

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2. How long should you avoid water after upper eyelid surgery?

The duration of water avoidance after upper eyelid surgery depends on individual healing characteristics and the extent of wound recovery. Typically, those with faster healing may have light contact with water after 5 days post-surgery. Individuals with slower healing may need to avoid water for 10 days or more. For those with sensitive skin that is prone to irritation, this duration may be longer.longer, lasting from 1 to 2 weeks.

So how long after upper eyelid surgery can you wash your face? Based on the information above, you should avoid contact with water around the eyes for 5 – 14 days after upper eyelid surgery. However, you can still clean other areas of your face using a soft cloth or cotton pad gently. Once the wound has stabilized and healed, you can wash your entire face with clean water, but it is important to do so correctly to avoid affecting the eyelid crease.

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3. Proper Steps for Washing Your Face After Upper Eyelid Surgery

Once the eyelids have healed, please follow these steps to wash your face gently and avoid impacting the eyelids:

3.1. Step 1: Cleanse Your Face

To cleanse your face, you can follow these steps:

• First, you need to wash your hands with soap to eliminate bacteria.
• Next, use a cotton pad dampened with water to wipe your face, avoiding the eyelid area.
• Then, gently apply facial cleanser around your face,Avoid getting foam on the eye area.
• Next, wash your face with warm water, then use a cotton pad to dry it.

3.2. Step 2: Clean the skin around the incision

After cleaning your face, you will need to clean the skin around the incision. For the first 1 to 3 days, use a cotton pad or cotton swab to dab saline solution and gently clean the skin around the eyelids to remove dirt and dried blood. You can start wiping from the inner corner of the eye and move outward in a circular motion. Finally, dry the area with a clean cotton pad or gauze to ensure no moisture remains.

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4. Tips for washing your face after eyelid surgery

To promote quick healing of the incision after eyelid surgery, you should also keep these points in mind when washing your face:

• Use appropriate cleansing tools: When using cotton, gauze, or cotton pads to wash your face, they should only be used once. Even face towels or bath towels should not be reused frequently due to bacteria accumulation. If bacteria come into contact withWounds may cause infection, prolonged swelling, and pain.
• Choose a gentle cleanser: It is advisable to select a gentle cleansing product that does not cause irritation to ensure safety for the skin. Prioritize cleansers with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, etc.
• Avoid washing your face with hot water: The skin around the eyelids is quite sensitive after eyelid surgery. Washing your face with hot water may cause the eyelids to swell, ache, and affect the healing process.
• Do not use facial mist: Facial mists contain not only water but also many other ingredients that may irritate the eyelid area, slowing down the healing process. Therefore, you should refrain from using facial mist during this time.
• Wash your face only twice a day: You should only wash your face twice a day, in the morning and evening, to cleanse the skin and eyelid creases without impacting the healing wounds.

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5. Post-Eyelid Surgery Care and Lifestyle Recommendations

In addition to avoiding water and being cautious when washing your face after eyelid surgery, you should also establish a healthy lifestyle and careful care as follows:

• Apply a cold compress to the eye area for about 10-15minutes, 2-4 times a day.
• Rest and sleep with your head elevated for 2 weeks or as directed by your doctor.
• Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your eyes from sunlight.
• Avoid vigorous activities or swimming.
• Limit work and use of electronic devices in the initial days after upper eyelid surgery.
• Avoid staying up late; aim for a regular sleep schedule.
• Do not touch your eyes, wear contact lenses, apply makeup, or get eyelash extensions.
• Avoid foods that may cause scarring or allergies, such as seafood, beef, poultry, eggs, water spinach, sticky rice, etc.
• Incorporate nutrient-rich foods, vitamins, and minerals such as salmon, vegetables, soybeans, walnuts, almonds, and fruits like oranges, kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, etc.
• Use eye drops and take medications as prescribed by your doctor, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.

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Post-surgery eyelid care tips for long-lasting results.

After undergoing upper eyelid surgery at Dr. Eye, Ms. Phuong Nhi’s eyes became more captivating with a clear, natural eyelid crease that harmonizes beautifully with her face.

Entrusting her previously problematic eyelids to Dr. Eye for correction, Ms. Loan received the ‘sweet fruit’ she had hoped for. The previous eyelid concerns were completely restored to a beautiful, even crease, brightening her face.

“After 7 days post-surgery, I see my eyes are normal, still a bit swollen but evenly so, with a balanced crease and round eyes. I am very satisfied. People even say my eyes look like they have been done for 2 months after just 7 days” – Ms. Xuan Hanh happily shared.

After 1 month of aesthetic treatment for the eye area at Dr. Eye, theThe imperfections have improved significantly, and Ms. Quyen’s eyes are now more expressive and vibrant. With her own business, frequently appearing in photos and videos, her new look will surely help her shine, feel confident, and radiate positive energy even more.

Sisters contact us now with Dr. Eye for a consultation on upper eyelid surgery to regain a youthful appearance and bright eyes!

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