How Should the Follow Up Process be After Blepharoplasty? When is it OK to Stop Seeing Your Doc?

Question

Can you explain the after surgery followup with Upper Blepharoplasty? Please include some details like how long after the surgery until the stitches are taken out at the surgeon's office? How long for the next visit after the stitches come out, and so on? And, the time frame (months?) when it is healed and no more doctor visits are needed. I would like to learn the process and timeline. Thank you for your time!!!

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Usually sutures are taken out 4-7 days around the eyes. Some surgeons use absorbable sutures that fall out [usually takes a  couple of weeks]

	I see my patients at that 5-7 day visit, and don't see them again until 3 months out, unless they have any specific question or concern in which case they can come in sooner [or call me] if needed. At three months, we have a good idea of what our final result will be [in most patients] though improvements can continue for up to a year in terms of the incision scar.

	Every surgeon may have their own slightly different protocol.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

I will give you my routine and you can use it as a general basis. I prefer to use dissolvable sutures and glue so that they fall off at about 5-7 days. I typically see patients at about that time, again at two weeks and then once more at the one month follow-up. Many of my patients I will see for up to six months until the scar fades away but that is just a personal preference of mine. Good luck in your area.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear 779296anon,

	
		Upper eyelids surgery has a relatively quick recovery
	
		Stitches stay in for about 4-5 days, minor bruising can be covered up in about a week to ten days
	
		You would see your surgeon for stitch removal, then about a month out
	
		After a month, you can see your surgeon as needed, although a yearly follow up is recommended - this is a special type of relationship


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The surgery takes approximate one hour performed as an outpatient procedure and patients spend another hour in the recovery room. After their surgery they return in one week for a postoperative check up. We use absorbable sutures so that no sutures need to be removed. Patient's follow up with us at one week, one month, in 3 months and in 6 months. Postoperative photos were done at 6 months. Patient can also come in sooner if they have questions or need our attention at any time immediate postoperative period.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

Once the sutures are out I normally like to see my patients maybe 4-6 weeks and after that only as  needed.

How Should the Follow Up Process be After Blepharoplasty? When is it OK to Stop Seeing Your Doc?

Answers (8)