How Long Is Recovery From Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure. Your eyes are often the first part of your body to show the signs of aging. Fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging develop as you age and can make you look tired and much older than you are. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is an effective treatment to lessen these visual effects and improve the youthful look of your eyes. That said, as with all surgeries, blepharoplasty requires time devoted to both preparation and recovery. Today, we answer the question, “How long is recovery from eyelid surgery?   

How Long Is Recovery From Eyelid Surgery?

The recovery period after upper blepharoplasty can vary from patient to patient. However, most people feel noted decreased swelling and comfort going outside between ten days to fourteen days after the procedure. The eyelid will continue healing for many months or a year after this point, but you will be able to resume your day-to-day activities within a couple of weeks of surgery. Below, you will see the breakdown of a typical recovery process after eyelid surgery.  

First Few Days Post-Eyelid Surgery

Patients are often cleared to go home from their eyelid surgeries on the same day. You would rarely need to stay overnight, but you should arrange for someone else to drive you home. As you navigate the first few days, you will notice some swelling and bruising. Slight swelling and bruising are normal and not a cause for concern.  You may also experience some mild discomfort. The tenderness and tightness in the first few days are effectively managed with medication. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help you ease through the recovery process. These symptoms are completely normal and should subside within a couple of weeks.   

Week 1 Post-Surgery

Once you have moved past the first few days, the first week is generally smooth. You may still have swelling and bruising and may notice coloration changes as the healing process takes effect. Many people take the first week off of work to focus primarily on recovery.  During this first week, you will likely see your surgeon for a follow-up appointment. Depending on whether your surgeon used dissolving or non-dissolving sutures to close the incision, this appointment will be a time to remove the sutures. In either case, this time will be an opportunity for your surgeon to assess your progress and ensure your recovery is going smoothly.  

Week 2 Post-Surgery

Once you reach the second week after surgery, things should be moving very smoothly. You can continue to take time off to recover. However, you should be able to return to some of your daily tasks if you feel up to it. Light housekeeping, walking, or even preparing a simple meal can be beneficial. Avoid overexerting yourself, as this can impact the recovery process and your final results. You may still notice some symptoms from the procedure, but they should be minimal. At this stage, you will likely see your near-final results and benefits of the procedure. Nevertheless, there will likely still be additional changes to your eyelids’ appearance as they heal over the next few months.  

Evidence-Based Recovery Tips After Eyelid Surgery

The recovery process is critical to determining the quality of your eyelid surgery results. Below are some of the most effective, evidence-based tips to incorporate into your recovery process.   

Elevation

Keep your head elevated after surgery and during the first few weeks of your recovery to help with swelling and reduce bruising faster.   

Avoid Sun Exposure

Stay out of the sun, especially during peak hours. If you have to go outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. Apply sunscreen extremely carefully around your eyes.  

Stay Hydrated and Eat A Balanced Diet

Thoughtful nutrition is essential as you recover from eyelid surgery. Whole foods filled with rich vitamins and minerals promote recovery. Eat more foods with vitamins A and C as they promote skin repair. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day.  

Eyelid Surgery

If you are unhappy with the look of your eyes, contact Dr. Lee and his team at Oculofacial Plastic Surgery of Hawaii today to schedule a consultation!