Can you use Xiidra or Restasis right after upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

Some patients will experience a dry eye after any eyelid surgery. It occurs for a several reasons. The swelling can slow down the blink, and it may be difficult to close completely for a few days. The inflammation in the eyelid, which is where the tears are produced may also change the consistency of the tear film. To help with any dryness, we suggest everyone use some artificial tears in the post-op period until this improves. For patients with more severe dry eye, a gel can be used in the eye at bedtime. The Xiidra and Restasis are not lubricating drops, and can take a few weeks to improve the tear film, so would not be as effective as the artificial tear drops.

I usually suggest using Thera-tears Extra ( it’s slicker not thicker) 3 times a day for a few weeks before the surgery to treat any unrecognized or borderline dry eyes so you don’t get a lot worse after.

The same drops work great chilled every hour or two in the first two days after the surgery.

Restasis and Xiidra take time to work, are expensive, and honestly don’t really impress as a dry eye treatment in 2020.

Almost everyone experiences some dry eye after blepharoplasty for several reasons. This is almost always temporary, though it can last a variable length of time. Treatment is a lubricant drop during the day and a gel at night. The meds you mentioned are not appropriate. Almost every good surgeon who does blepharoplasty will recommend what to use and how often.