You have done the research. You have had your consultation with one of the oculoplastic surgeons at EyeFACE Institute, Toronto’s leading specialized eyelid and facial plastic surgery practice. Your surgery date is confirmed. Now comes the part that most patients underestimate: the preparation.
How well you prepare — both your home and your skin — has a direct impact on how smoothly your recovery unfolds. The good news is that with a little planning in the days leading up to your procedure, you can set yourself up for a calmer surgery day and a faster, more comfortable healing process.
Here is exactly how to do it.
Prepare Your Home Before Surgery Day
Set Up a Recovery Zone
Before you leave for your eyelid surgery appointment, designate a comfortable recovery space at home. This should be somewhere you can rest with your head elevated — a recliner is ideal, or prop several pillows on your bed to keep your head above heart level. Elevation in the first 48 to 72 hours is one of the most effective ways to minimize swelling after blepharoplasty.
Stock this area ahead of time with everything you will need within arm’s reach: gauze, a clean face cloth, prescribed medications, lubricating eye drops (as recommended by your surgeon), a phone charger, and entertainment that does not require prolonged screen time. Audiobooks and podcasts are your friends during the first few days of recovery.
Prepare Your Kitchen
Cook or order meals in advance. The last thing you want to do after eyelid surgery is stand over a stove. Soft, easy-to-eat foods are best for the first day or two — soups, smoothies, and light snacks. Keep everything at eye level in the fridge so you are not bending down and increasing pressure around your eyes.
Avoid alcohol for at least a week before and after surgery, as it increases swelling and interferes with healing. Keep a large water bottle nearby to stay well-hydrated.
Arrange Your Transportation and Support
You will not be driving yourself home. Arrange for a trusted person to pick you up from EyeFACE Institute’s clinic at 4789 Yonge St, Suite #318, Toronto, and ideally have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. Your vision may be temporarily blurry and your coordination affected by sedation — having support on hand is not just a convenience, it is a safety measure.
Prepare Your Skin Before Surgery Day
Start Early — At Least Two Weeks Out
Your skin’s condition on surgery day matters. In the two weeks prior to your eyelid surgery, avoid any aggressive skin treatments around the eye area. This includes retinoids, chemical peels, laser treatments, and injectable fillers. These can compromise the integrity of the skin and complicate both the surgical process and recovery.
If you use prescription retinol or tretinoin, speak with your EyeFACE surgeon or their team about when to pause — typically at least one to two weeks before the procedure.
Keep Skin Clean, Hydrated, and Product-Free
In the 48 hours before surgery, simplify your skincare routine dramatically. Gentle cleansing and light, fragrance-free moisturizer only — nothing active, nothing exfoliating. On the morning of surgery, arrive with completely clean skin. No makeup, no skincare products, no creams, no sunscreen around the eyes. Your surgical team needs a clean canvas, and residual product can interfere with marking and sterile preparation.
Stop Certain Supplements and Medications
Many over-the-counter supplements increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. At least 10 to 14 days before your eyelid surgery, stop taking fish oil, vitamin E, aspirin (unless medically required), ibuprofen, and herbal supplements like ginkgo, garlic, or ginseng. Your EyeFACE surgeon will provide a specific pre-operative list during your consultation — follow it carefully.
Protect the Eye Area from Sun Exposure
If you are heading into surgery with sun-damaged or inflamed skin around the eyes, healing will take longer. In the weeks before your procedure, be diligent about sun protection. Wear broad-spectrum SPF and sunglasses outdoors. Reducing inflammation in the tissue before surgery means your body has more resources to dedicate to healing afterward.
On the Day Itself
Arrive rested, calm, and on time. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a front zip or button — nothing that needs to be pulled over your head. Leave jewelry at home, skip perfume, and bring a pair of sunglasses for the ride back.
The oculoplastic surgeons at EyeFACE Institute — including founder Dr. Harmeet Gill, MD FACS FRCSC — perform over 1,500 procedures annually with microsurgical precision, working in the millimeter-level detail that eyelid surgery demands. Your job on surgery day is simply to show up prepared. Their job is everything else.
Thoughtful preparation is the quiet partner of a great surgical outcome. The time you invest before your eyelid surgery in Toronto is time that pays you back during recovery — in less swelling, smoother healing, and results you can enjoy sooner.
Ready to book your consultation? Visit eyefaceinstitute.com or call +1 (647) 351-6501.
