Cosmetics and personal care
- Foundation and concealer (off-eye area): day 5
- Eye makeup (shadow, liner, mascara): day 14, with fresh tube (not your old one — bacterial risk)
- Eye cream: day 14, applied gently with patting motion (no rubbing)
- Contact lenses: day 14 (glasses only before that)
- Eyebrow shaping/waxing: day 21
- Eyelash extensions or perm: month 2 minimum
- Botox or filler nearby: month 3 minimum (waiting for surgical swelling to fully settle)
Exercise and activity
- Light walking: day 1 (encouraged — helps circulation)
- Yoga (no inversions, no head-below-heart): day 14
- Light cardio (treadmill, easy cycling): day 14
- Strength training (no heavy lifting, no Valsalva): day 21
- Running, HIIT: week 4
- Swimming (pool): week 4
- Swimming (ocean/lake, contact lenses, goggles tight): week 6
- Heavy lifting (>20 kg): week 6
- Contact sports: month 3
- Skydiving, scuba, high-altitude exposure: month 3
Travel and miscellaneous
- Driving (private car): day 5–7 once vision is fully clear
- Air travel: day 7+ (some swelling can occur during long flights)
- Sunbathing: month 3 (and always with eye protection and SPF 50)
- Sauna, steam room: week 4
- Alcohol: day 5 onward, moderate
- Smoking: avoid for 4 weeks minimum (significantly affects scar)
Frequently asked questions
Why no contacts for 2 weeks?
The lid surface is still healing and the insertion movement can disturb suture lines (transconjunctival) or upper lid incisions. Glasses for 2 weeks; contacts gentle reintroduction at day 14.
When can I cry, sneeze, or have allergies again?
Tearing is fine from day 1 (and somewhat expected). Sneezing happens — try to sneeze with mouth open. Allergic itching: use the lubricating drops; avoid rubbing for the first 2 weeks.
Not sure if you're a candidate?
Blepharoplasty is most successful when patient anatomy, age, and goals align with what surgery can realistically deliver. Send three facial photos (front, profile, eyes-closed) and Doç. Dr. Erdal will give you an honest, no-pressure suitability assessment before you commit to anything.
Ready to discuss your case?
Doç. Dr. Erdal personally reviews every enquiry. Honest assessment of whether blepharoplasty is right for you, with no pressure to book.