Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. During a blepharoplasty, excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed from the eyelids to achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated look. While the procedure offers many aesthetic benefits, recovery does require following proper aftercare instructions to ensure optimal results and prevent complications.
One common question patients have is whether they can shower after undergoing blepharoplasty surgery. The answer is yes, you can shower after blepharoplasty, but special care must be taken in the early post-operative period.
When Can I Shower After Blepharoplasty?
Here are general guidelines on when you can shower after blepharoplasty:
1. Wait 48 hours after surgery
It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours after your blepharoplasty procedure before showering. The first 2 days are a critical period when your incisions are still fresh and delicate. Exposure to water pressure could disrupt the incisions before they have had a chance to close up.
2. Do not submerge your head
When you first shower, be careful not to submerge your head or eyelid area directly under the shower head. Let the water gently run down your face without directly hitting your incisions. Avoid taking baths, swimming, or soaking in hot tubs during the initial recovery period.
3. Use tepid water
Shower with lukewarm water, avoiding extremely hot or cold water. Hot water can dilate blood vessels, causing swelling and bleeding. Cold water can slow healing. Tepid, lukewarm water is ideal.
4. Limit shower time
Keep your first few showers brief, no more than 5 minutes. Extended exposure to water can delay healing.
5. Gently dab face dry
When you get out of the shower, gently pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel. Do not rub your eyelids. Blot the incisions dry.
6. Skip eye makeup
Do not wear eye makeup, lotion, or cream until your surgeon says it is OK, about 5-7 days after surgery.
7. Use sterile eye drops
If prescribed medicated eye drops by your surgeon, administer them carefully after showering, without touching the tip to your eye.
Precautions for Showering After Blepharoplasty
Here are some important precautions to follow when showering after blepharoplasty:
- Do not rub or scrub your eyelids
- Avoid getting shampoo or soap directly on the incisions
- Do not submerge your head under water
- Rinse your face using a gentle stream of water
- Pat dry with a soft towel
- Apply antibiotic ointment if instructed by your surgeon
- Make showers brief the first week
- Skip the sauna, hot tub, swimming pools
Be very delicate when washing your hair or face. Do not use any abrasive scrub brushes or loofahs near your eyes for several weeks after surgery.
Signs of Infection
It’s important to monitor your eyelids after showering for any signs of infection, which include:
- Increased pain, swelling, or redness
- Pus or yellow/green discharge
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Worsening swelling or bruising
- Red streaks near the incision
If you notice any signs of infection, call your surgeon right away as antibiotics may be prescribed. Avoid touching or scrubbing the infected area.
When Can I Resume Normal Showering?
You can gradually return to your normal showering routine after about 1 week. Here are general guidelines on resuming regular showering habits:
| Post-Op Timeline | Showering Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 1 week | May shower daily, use tepid water, limit to 5-10 minutes |
| 2 weeks | May start extending shower time to normal duration |
| 3 weeks | May use warm water temperature |
| 1 month | Resume fully normal showering |
Your surgeon will let you know if any modifications to these general guidelines are needed based on your specific healing and recovery.
Tips for Comfortable Showers After Blepharoplasty
Here are some tips for having a comfortable showering experience as you recover from blepharoplasty:
Use a shower chair
Place a plastic shower seat or chair in your tub or shower to sit and rest while bathing during the first week. This prevents fatigue.
Use a handheld showerhead
Invest in a handheld showerhead or attachment so you can control the water flow and pressure. Adjust it to a light setting and angle it away from your face.
Wash hair leaning back
Gently wash and rinse your hair while leaning back. This prevents shampoo from running into your eyes.
Use dry shampoo
Dry shampoo can help absorb oil and refresh your hair between washes without wetting your incisions.
Use a shower cap
Wear a shower cap over your hair when showering to keep your locks dry until you can fully submerge your head.
Have someone assist you
Have a caregiver or loved one assist you with bathing, hair washing, drying off, and applying any medicated ointments.
Conclusion
It is generally safe to shower after blepharoplasty surgery, but special care should be taken not to soak or irritate healing incisions. Wait at least 48 hours, keep showers brief, use lukewarm water, avoid submerging your head, and gently pat the area dry. Refrain from scrubbing or touching your eyelids. Closely watch for signs of infection. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume normal showering, typically after 1 week. Take steps to make showering comfortable during your recovery. Be patient with the healing process to ensure you get the best results from your eyelid surgery.