Considering eyelid surgery in Riyadh? Whether you're seeking to refresh your appearance or correct drooping lids that impact vision, proper preparation is key to achieving a smooth and successful outcome. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a relatively quick procedure, but the results—and your comfort—depend heavily on how well you prepare before and after the surgery.
Below, we’ll walk you through the essential tips you need to follow before, during, and after the procedure to ensure everything goes as seamlessly as possible.
Why Preparation Matters:
Taking the right steps before surgery not only helps you feel more confident, but also reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery.
Good preparation allows you to:
- Minimize swelling and bruising
- Reduce surgery-related stress
- Improve post-surgery healing
- Achieve more natural-looking results
The better prepared you are, the more relaxed and in control you'll feel throughout your surgical journey.
Pre-Surgery Consultation: What to Expect:
The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions, express your goals, and learn what’s realistic. Be honest and clear about your expectations so your surgeon can tailor the procedure to your needs.
During your consultation:
- Discuss your medical history, including allergies or medications
- Let your surgeon know if you have dry eyes, vision issues, or previous eye procedures
- Review your current skincare or beauty routine
- Ask about incision placement, expected results, and recovery timeline
- View before-and-after photos to align expectations
If you’re undergoing eyelid surgery in Riyadh, choose a board-certified professional with specialized experience in oculoplastic or facial procedures.
Essential Pre-Surgery Steps to Follow:
In the days leading up to your eyelid surgery, your focus should be on preparing your body and your home.
One to two weeks before surgery:
- Stop smoking (if applicable), as it delays healing
- Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen
- Pause supplements such as vitamin E, fish oil, and ginseng
- Organize a recovery space at home with soft pillows, cold compresses, and entertainment
- Arrange transportation—you won’t be able to drive after surgery
- Confirm your prescriptions and pick up eye drops, ointments, or pain relievers in advance
Proper preparation sets the stage for a smooth, stress-free recovery.
Day Before and Morning of Surgery: Final Checklist:
Your final 24 hours before the procedure should be calm, clean, and planned. Get plenty of rest and avoid anything that may irritate your eyes.
The day before surgery:
- Eat light, healthy meals and drink plenty of water
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine as they can dehydrate you
- Remove eyelash extensions or false lashes
- Do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses
- Prepare a loose-fitting outfit for surgery day (preferably with buttons or a zipper)
On the morning of surgery:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
- Do not apply moisturizers, serums, or makeup
- Wear glasses instead of contacts
- Arrive early and bring any necessary paperwork
Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions—follow them exactly for the safest results.
What to Expect Immediately After Surgery:
Once your procedure is done, you’ll rest in a recovery area and then return home the same day. You'll need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Post-surgery expectations include:
- Swelling and mild bruising around the eyes
- Tightness or numbness at the incision sites
- Blurry vision (temporary)
- Light sensitivity or watery eyes
Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated will help ease discomfort.
Recovery Tips for a Speedy Healing Process:
The first week after eyelid surgery is the most crucial. With proper care, healing is typically smooth and results begin to show quickly.
Best practices during recovery:
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Use prescribed eye drops and ointments as instructed
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity
- Wear sunglasses when going outdoors to protect healing skin
- Keep the incision area clean and dry
By week two, most of the swelling will have subsided and you can begin to resume light activities. Your final results will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
Nutrition and Hydration: Your Healing Fuel:
What you eat and drink post-surgery plays a surprisingly important role in your recovery.
Recommended post-surgery diet:
- Hydrate with at least 8 glasses of water daily
- Eat protein-rich foods to support tissue repair (eggs, fish, chicken, legumes)
- Include vitamin C and E-rich fruits and veggies to aid in collagen production
- Avoid salty, processed foods that can increase swelling
Fueling your body with the right nutrients speeds up recovery and supports healthier-looking skin.
When to Contact Your Surgeon:
While complications are rare, it’s important to know what’s normal and what’s not. Your surgeon should provide a post-op care guide with signs to watch for.
Contact your surgeon if you experience:
- Sudden increase in swelling or redness
- Persistent bleeding from the incision site
- Vision changes or severe pain
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, or foul odor)
Your peace of mind is important—never hesitate to call if something feels off.
Final Thoughts:
Eyelid surgery can dramatically enhance your appearance and even improve your vision—but the journey to great results starts before you enter the operating room. From planning ahead and preparing your home to following recovery guidelines, each step matters.
If you’re moving forward with eyelid surgery in Riyadh, be sure to work with a trusted, certified specialist who will guide you through every stage of the process. With the right care, you’ll not only enjoy a smoother experience—you’ll see results that feel as natural as they look.