I absolutely HAVE to work the following day after my upper bleph. Is this going to compromise my healing?

Thank you for your question. I think it's reasonable that you be able to take off a couple days for work from your blepharoplasty. Your surgeon should guide you in this decision. Going back to work one day after your operation may not be prudent.  

I would highly recommend that you do not work the day following your upper eyelid surgery.  It does help to rest a bit and it is helpful to keep ice on and off the area for the first few days.  Overexertion and lack of icing could lead to more swelling or bleeding, which could prolong your healing.  

Each surgeon has his or her guidelines for postoperative care. Allow yourself proper time to heal to avoid complications or prolonged healing. Some surgeons may allow a limited work schedule the next day depending on the scope of the surgery and the type of work. Consult with your surgeons as he or she knows the scope of the surgery and the specifics about you.

First of all,  it is important to take some time for herself to heal. As long as there is no strenuous exercise or heavy lifting involved with your type of work, then a limited work schedule may be adequate if you're just sitting at a desk or doing computer work. Anticipate your eyes being tired for the first week after the surgery. For many examples of upper eyelids, please see link and video below

It really depends on what your work involves. If you are sitting quietly working on a computer you should be fine. On the other hand if you have to physically exert yourself this could compromise your healing. You don't want to pop any stitches and you want to avoid bruising as much as you can. Hope you can work it all out. Good luck.

You need to focus on healing in the immediate postoperative period. If you cannot follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions, you should consider rescheduling your procedure.

My suggestion is to reschedule your surgery or change your work plans.  You are going through surgery, and this should be priority!