How Many Days After Eyelid Surgery Sutures Are Removed Can You Get the Area Wet?

After undergoing double eyelid surgery—also known as blepharoplasty for upper eyelid crease formation—patients often ask when it is safe to expose the surgical site to water. Typically, sutures are removed 5 to 7 days postoperatively. However, even after suture removal, the incision remains in the early stages of wound healing: the epidermis is still reconstituting, and underlying collagen synthesis is just beginning. Dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons recommend avoiding direct water contact—including shower spray, swimming, or submersion—for at least 10 to 14 days following suture removal. This precaution minimizes the risk of infection, wound dehiscence, and delayed epithelialization.

During this initial recovery window, patients should gently cleanse the periorbital area with sterile saline or a physician-approved antiseptic wipe, taking care not to rub or apply pressure to the incision line. Once the wound has fully epithelialized—usually by day 14 to 21—brief, lukewarm showers are permissible, provided the eyelids are patted dry immediately and no harsh soaps or exfoliants are used near the incision. Swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water should be avoided for a minimum of four weeks due to microbial load and chlorine exposure, both of which can impair scar maturation.

Individual healing timelines vary based on age, comorbidities (e.g., diabetes or immunosuppression), surgical technique (suture-based vs. incisional), and adherence to postoperative care. Patients should always follow their surgeon’s specific instructions and seek clinical evaluation if signs of infection—such as increasing erythema, purulent discharge, or worsening pain—develop.