In the hands of a skilled facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Alexander Donath , blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can dramatically improve your facial features by treating conditions like dark circles, droopy eyelids, and excess skin around the eyes. However, applying appropriate care for your eyelid stitches and incisions after the surgical procedure is critical for optimal results and patient satisfaction.
This comprehensive guide will teach you all you need to know about post-operative care for these sensitive areas so that you can look your best and have a speedy recovery.

Why Proper Stitches and Incision Care Matters
Caring for your stitches and incisions isn’t just about comfort—it’s about ensuring a safe, speedy recovery with minimal scarring. Here’s why post-surgical care is crucial:
- Prevents infections that can slow healing and lead to complications.
- Reduces scarring for smoother, more natural-looking results.
- Supports successful healing, helping you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome.
By following your surgeon’s guidelines, you can enhance your results and avoid unnecessary setbacks.
How to Manage Your Eyelid Stitches After Surgery
Your upper eyelid stitches play a key role in healing, ensuring that your skin knits together correctly. Here’s how to manage them effectively:
1. Identify Your Stitches Type
Dr. Donath may use dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches depending on your surgical plan. Knowing which type you have will help you follow the correct aftercare routine.
2. Inspect Your Stitches Daily
Check your stitches each day to spot early signs of infection, like redness, swelling, discharge, or unusual pain. If you notice anything concerning, contact your surgeon promptly.
Best Practices for Blepharoplasty Incision Care
Caring for your incisions properly ensures a seamless recovery and the best cosmetic outcome. Follow these steps to keep your surgical site in top condition:
1. Keep the Area Clean and Protected
- Gently clean your incision site as instructed by your surgeon—avoid rubbing or applying excessive pressure.
- Shield your healing skin from direct sunlight and excessive moisture.
2. Avoid Contact Lenses
Contact lenses can disturb healing eyelids, so stick to glasses until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.
3. Choose Pain Relief Wisely
Some pain medications, especially blood thinners like aspirin, can increase bruising and bleeding. Always use only the medications prescribed by your surgeon.

How to Ease the Healing Process of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Incisions
The period of time required for your eyelid stitches and skin incisions to heal properly can vary from patient to patient. However, it typically takes between 7-10 days for the suture lines to shrink and the skin incision to fully close. If you have non-dissolvable stitches, your surgeon will typically remove them within 5-10 days as part of the stitch removal process, depending on your healing progress. Easing the healing process of incisions often starts right after the procedure. Here are a few tips to help guide your healing journey.
Implement Cold Compresses
Applying cold compresses or ice packs in the first 24 to 48 hours after your surgery can help alleviate swelling and discoloration around your eyelids.
Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Balanced Diet
Hydration and a balanced diet can facilitate quick healing of your eyelid stitches by enhancing your body’s natural healing process.
Avoid Strenuous Activities and Rest
Plenty of rest and avoidance of strenuous exercise are important to ensure proper healing of your eyelid stitches and skin incisions. When engaging in physical activities, such as running or lifting weights, the extra pressure on your sutures can cause them to come undone, while excessive movement can delay the healing process. To avoid this, be sure to take plenty of breaks and give your body ample time to recover from surgery.
How to Reduce the Appearance of Scars after a Blepharoplasty Surgery?
After a blepharoplasty surgery, you may experience some scarring along the eyelid incisions. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce the appearance of these scars.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions after eyelid surgery Cincinnati to reduce scar visibility. Instructions may include keeping incision sites clean, avoiding sunlight, and preventing infection.
- Protect your scars by wearing SPF 30 sunscreen when outside to prevent darkening and visibility.
- Massage the scar tissue with a gentle circular motion to reduce its appearance and prevent it from becoming noticeable.
- Use silicone gel or sheet to improve eyelid scars. Find these products in pharmacies or online.
- Try using over-the-counter products like vitamin E oil, cocoa butter, and silicone sheets to reduce scarring from blepharoplasty surgery.
- Consider professional scar treatments, like laser resurfacing , if at-home remedies do not work. They can reduce scars and make your eyelids smoother.
When to Consult your Surgeon Regarding Complications
As an experienced facial surgeon, Dr. Donath understands the potential risks, such as ectropion associated with blepharoplasty. Therefore, he stresses the importance of timely consultations whenever potential complications arise. But when should you reach out to your specialist?
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
While slight discomfort is expected, persistent or escalating pain after surgery is not typical and can suggest complications, so should be reported promptly.
Abnormal Signs of Healing
Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal symptoms during the recovery period can help you recognize when something is not quite right.
Watch for symptoms such as injury to eye muscles, redness around the incision site, discharge from the incision, or any changes in vision like double vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately.
The Importance of Follow-up Visits
Dr. Donath emphasizes the value of regular follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of your upper and lower blepharoplasty stitches and incisions and to ensure the best possible result.
Achieving Your Desired Results
After the weeks post-surgery have passed and your incisions have fully healed, you will begin to see your final results.
How Will I Look?
Following a successful recovery period, you can expect to see a significant improvement in the appearance of your eyes, eliminating puffy eyelids and dark circles. The precise results vary, but the changes can dramatically enhance your facial features, providing a more refreshed and youthful look.
Will I Be Satisfied?
Most patients report high levels of satisfaction after their blepharoplasty procedure, particularly when they follow the post-operative care instructions to the letter. This leads to healthier eyes, enhanced vision, and a more youthful appearance.
Remember that achieving exceptional results from your blepharoplasty procedure is a shared duty. Dr. Donath will do his part impeccably, but your careful aftercare plays a definitive role too. By implementing these tips and instructions, you are not just hastening your recovery; you are also perfecting the overall outcome of your surgical procedure. Unveil the best version of your eyes; schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander Donath now!