Should I put Vaseline on stitches on eyelid, surgery yesterday. (photo)

Question

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s best to ask your surgeon about this. Usually, instructions on scar care are given to you and they usually include the application of antibiotic ointment. If vaseline is not recommended, it’s better not to apply it.

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

Not all surgeons have you put anything on your
stitches after eyelid surgery. If the stitches are getting dry or tight you
could consider applying antibiotic ointment in a thin layer over them. Opthamolic
antibiotic ointment would be best, but even Neosporin would be okay. Keeping
the eyes clean and gentle washing with soap and water, and using natural tears
in the eyes can also help to prevent that tight feeling and promote
healing.

Vaseline is really not a great choice for a topical
moisturizer - it is petroleum-based and makes things greasy, but does not
actually moisturize or hydrate the skin. It is probably best to contact your
surgeon for his/her specific recommendations on this issue, as they would know
the details of what was done and the type of technique of sutures that you have
in.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

The best thing to do is to follow your surgeon's suture care instructions.For my patients I recommend using either an opthalmic antibiotic ointment or vaseline on the incisions several times a day until they see me back to remove the sutures.  I tell them that the incisions should always have some coverage with the ointment. If antibiotic ointment is used, I generally have them stop it after two days. Any longer then that can result in a contact dermatitis that can make the area more red and inflamed.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

For this reason, a bland ophthalmic ointment like fresh PM ointment or lacrilube  is generally better tolerated but more expensive.  Some Doctors recommend a medicated ointment like erythromycin ophthalmic ointment for this purpose.  Call your surgeon and see what they recommend.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You should ask your surgeon what ointment he would like you to use.  Most surgeons will prescribe some sort of an antibiotic ointment.  If not, a little Vaseline should be fine too.  Basically want to keep it moist as it will heal faster, have less scab formation, and less itching.

Should I put Vaseline on stitches on eyelid, surgery yesterday. (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: The only issue with vaseline is that is can be a little irritating if it melts and runs into the eye.

Answer: The only issue with vaseline is that is can be a little irritating if it melts and runs into the eye.

Answer: Post-op ointment

Answer: Post-op ointment

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Should I put Vaseline on stitches on eyelid, surgery yesterday. (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: The only issue with vaseline is that is can be a little irritating if it melts and runs into the eye.

Answer: The only issue with vaseline is that is can be a little irritating if it melts and runs into the eye.

Answer: Post-op ointment

Answer: Post-op ointment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.