How soon can I have a shower after eyelid surgery?

Most surgeons will allow showering the next day after surgery for eyelids.  Shampoo and hair washing is fine.  The main concerns are infection (very rare with lid surgery and washing daily with soap and water should not increase the risk) as well as incisions coming apart.  It is best to pat the lids dry with a soft cloth and avoid rubbing the incisions for at least 1 week if not two.  Every surgeon has different recommendations and if it is not outlined in your post surgery instructions, then it might be worth mentioning to your surgeon at your next visit to add a note about that for future patients.

We allow patients to shower the day after eyelid surgery. I do tell them not to let the stream of water hit them directly in the surgical area. Just be careful drying the area and to be more delicate then normal.

Most patients can feel free to shower the day after their eyelid surgery. Just be sure to gently pat the eyelids dry to prevent complications.