I’m scheduled to get eyelid surgery in two weeks

Question:
I’m scheduled to get eyelid surgery in two weeks and a thought just occurred to me. I have trouble sleeping in any position that isn’t on my side, and I can’t sleep at all with my head elevated. After my eyelid surgery, will I have to sleep with my head elevated at all times?

Answer:
I recommend sleeping with your head slightly elevated following blepharoplasty surgery to help with the inevitable swelling that will occur following blepharoplasty. The reason your surgeon suggests that you do not sleep on your side is that the blepharoplasty incisions are delicate and rubbing them or your eyes following blepharoplasty can prolong the healing process. I think that you will find it not that difficult to sleep with your head slightly elevated protecting your eyes following the blepharoplasty surgery.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld