Be mindful of raising your forehead muscles after upper eyelid surgery 

After a upper eyelid correction It is important to be aware of tensing your forehead muscles. Some people unconsciously raise their eyebrows to open their eyes further. This often happens automatically, especially if the eyelids felt heavy before the surgery, or if you were used to looking with your forehead.

The main muscle involved here is the frontalis muscle. This is the forehead muscle that raises the eyebrows. When this muscle contracts, it creates additional tension in the area around the eyebrows and the upper eyelid. After surgery, this tension can indirectly affect the wound area and the suture line.

Why is this important?

In the first few days after the operation, the wound is still fragile. Too much tension on the upper eyelid can disrupt healing. Repeatedly raising the eyebrows can put extra pulling force on the wound. This can cause irritation, lead to more swelling, or in exceptional cases, contribute to a portion of the wound coming open.

Which muscles are involved?

• The frontalis muscle is located in the forehead and pulls the eyebrows upwards. This makes the upper eyelid appear more open.
• The corrugator supercilii muscle and the procerus muscle play a primary role in frowning and tension between the eyebrows. These muscles can also contribute to tension around the forehead and eyes.
• The orbicularis oculi is the circular muscle around the eye. This muscle is responsible for closing the eye and works together with the surrounding muscles in the area around the eye.

Why do we sometimes use tape or a plaster?

Sometimes, immediately after the operation or after the stitches have been removed, we will preventatively apply a tape or plaster to your forehead or eyebrow area. We do this to remind you to keep your forehead as relaxed as possible.

The tape works as a memory support. As soon as you unconsciously try to raise your eyebrows, you will feel the tape. This makes you more aware of this movement, allowing you to relax your forehead again. Additionally, the tape can help limit excessive pulling on the wound area. This supports an undisturbed recovery of the skin and the suture line.

How long should the tape be left on after an upper eyelid surgery?

Leave the tape or plaster on for at least 2 to 3 days after the operation, unless your practitioner advises otherwise. Do not remove the tape unnecessarily early. If the tape comes loose or causes irritation, contact the clinic for advice.

Even after the tape is removed, it remains important to pay conscious attention to lifting the eyebrows.

What should you pay attention to yourself after an upper eyelid correction?

• Try to keep your forehead as relaxed as possible for the first few days.
• Please ensure you do not raise your eyebrows repeatedly while looking, speaking, laughing or showing surprise.
• Check in the mirror now and then to ensure your forehead stays relaxed.
• Avoid excessive facial expressions during the early stages of recovery.
• Do not pull the skin around the eyelid.
• Do not rub the wound or the stitches.
• Always follow the personal advice of your healthcare provider.

When should you get in touch?

Contact us if you experience increasing redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, a wound opening up, stitches coming loose, or if you have any concerns about your recovery.

Important to know about tape or a plaster on the forehead after an upper eyelid correction

The use of tape or a plaster is intended as temporary support and memory aid. It does not replace a medical examination. If in doubt, we always advise you to contact SkinSurgery Clinics.