When can I shower and wash my hair after eyelid surgery?
Body showers below the neck are usually fine from day one or two; hair washing works from around day two to three if water is kept off the incisions.
Keeping incisions dry in the first days lowers the chance of irritation and infection while the wound edges seal. That does not mean skipping hygiene altogether — it means separating the surgical site from the rest of your routine. Most clinics allow a careful return to normal washing within the first week.
A day-by-day washing guide
From day one or two, lukewarm showers from the neck down are generally acceptable; avoid hot water and steam, which aggravate swelling. For hair, lean back at a salon-style basin or have someone help so shampoo and water run away from the face, typically from day two or three.
Exact timing depends on the procedure and how your wound is sealing, so allow for individual differences and follow the schedule given at discharge. If water does hit an incision, pat it dry and watch for redness; ask your specialist at the next consult if anything looks changed.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.