“Can I go in the sun after eyelid surgery?”
I will have eyelid plastic surgery. Can I go in the sun after eyelid surgery?
3 Answers
After Blepharoplasty, it is generally recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before going out in the sun. Even after 2 weeks it is best to wear sunglasses for next 3 months to avoid discoloration of scars.
Not for a few months
After undergoing eyelid plastic surgery, it is crucial that you minimize your exposure to the sun, especially in the initial stages of your recovery period. The healing process after cosmetic surgery, such as an eyelid procedure or blepharoplasty, involves a series of delicate changes in the body at a cellular level, which can be negatively affected by sun exposure.
Following the surgery, your skin starts rebuilding collagen, a protein essential to wound healing and the restoration of firm and supple skin. However, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can break down collagen, interfering with the healing process.
Sun exposure can also worsen post-operative swelling and bruising, which typically peak 2 to 3 days after the procedure. The heat and UV radiation from the sun can increase inflammation and stimulate the production of skin pigment, potentially leading to darker scars.
Fresh, still-healing scars are particularly susceptible to UV light, which can cause them to burn, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). This can lead to darker and more noticeable scarring that could last months or even years.
So, it's strongly recommended that you avoid the sun after surgery, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its strongest. If you need to be outside, protect your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Always follow your doctor's specific post-op instructions and contact them if you have any concerns or questions.
In summary, while it might be tempting to enjoy the sunshine after your surgery, it's crucial for the success of your recovery and the quality of your surgical results to limit your sun exposure.
Following the surgery, your skin starts rebuilding collagen, a protein essential to wound healing and the restoration of firm and supple skin. However, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can break down collagen, interfering with the healing process.
Sun exposure can also worsen post-operative swelling and bruising, which typically peak 2 to 3 days after the procedure. The heat and UV radiation from the sun can increase inflammation and stimulate the production of skin pigment, potentially leading to darker scars.
Fresh, still-healing scars are particularly susceptible to UV light, which can cause them to burn, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin). This can lead to darker and more noticeable scarring that could last months or even years.
So, it's strongly recommended that you avoid the sun after surgery, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV radiation is at its strongest. If you need to be outside, protect your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Always follow your doctor's specific post-op instructions and contact them if you have any concerns or questions.
In summary, while it might be tempting to enjoy the sunshine after your surgery, it's crucial for the success of your recovery and the quality of your surgical results to limit your sun exposure.
