Why should bending be avoided in the first week of upper blepharoplasty?

Question

Why should bending be avoided when your recovering from upper blepharoplasty?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

As a general rule, patients should avoid rigorous exercise after surgery. You should be ready to get back to life as normal in about two weeks. 
During  those two weeks, you may need to use eye drops to keep your eyes
 properly  lubricated, and you may need to avoid activities like reading
 that will tire  your eyes. You should keep your head elevated as much 
as possible, including  reclining during sleep rather than lying flat. 
Vigorous exercise should be  avoided since the increased blood pressure 
will cause more swelling. Sunglasses  should be worn as much as possible
 to protect your eyes from wind and sun.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is important not to bend over, strain yourself, or exercise for the first 2 weeks after the eyelid surgery to prevent swelling and bleeding. Bending over and lifting heavy objects increases your blood pressure and can lead to complications. For more information and many examples of upper blepharoplasty, please see  the link below

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Bending over can raise your blood pressure causing increased swelling and chances of developing a hematoma. Sleeping sitting up for at least a week will greatly decrease swelling and bruising. Use an airplane pillow (kidney bean shape) to help keep your head up. It may be uncomfortable, but you will appreciate the benefits!Hope this helps.Gary Horndeski M.D.

J. Jared Christophel, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Bending over, and lowering your head relative to your heart, can raise the apparent blood pressure in your face.  This increases the risk of a hematoma in the eyelid.

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.Any time there is tissue trauma, all be it, a precise surgical incision, there will be corresponding swelling and bruising.The body's natural reaction is swelling. The integrity of the cells are temporarily compromised and fluid leaks out.Thus, when the injured part is lower than the heart there is a greater degree of "dependent pressure" as when you bend over.Bottom line, keep your head elevated as much as possible, ice and cold compresses, low salt diet and just daily activity for the first several weeks.My best wishes on your speedy recovery.

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Bending over or straining can promote increased bruising and swelling. Thank you for your question. Best wishes.

William H. Jervis, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

to avoid unecessary bleeding and bruising, just as you should avoid blood thinners including aspirin, cardio exercises, as a hematoma could even result in visual loss, and or lid retraction or other issues

Why should bending be avoided in the first week of upper blepharoplasty?

Answers (7)

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