Eyelid Surgery Recovery: What to Expect and How to Heal Beautifully

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your appearance, addressing concerns like droopy eyelids (upper eyelid dermatochalasis) or under-eye bags(steatoblepharon). While the surgery itself is relatively quick, the recovery period is crucial for achieving the best possible results. Understanding what to expect and how to care for yourself can make a significant difference in your healing journey.

Here's a guide to navigating your recovery after eyelid surgery:

The Initial Days: Bruising, Swelling, and Early Care

It's completely normal to experience bruising and swelling around your eyes after surgery. This is a natural part of the healing process. The swelling will typically be most noticeable in the first 24-48 hours and will gradually subside over the following weeks. Bruising can vary in intensity and may appear as black, blue, or purple discoloration, often spreading slightly down the cheeks. Rest assured, these effects are temporary and will fade.

You may be sensitive to light, so wear dark sunglasses during your trip home. The ointment used during your surgery may make your vision blurry; this is temporary and usually resolves within 24 hours.

Key Recovery Tips for a Smooth Healing Process:

1. Eye Care and Vision:

   • Contact Lenses: Do not wear contact lenses until at least 2 weeks after your surgery. Eyeglasses are fine to wear.

   • Driving: Do not drive until you have stopped taking pain medication and your vision is no longer blurry. This is usually about 5 to 10 days after surgery, but ensure you can safely and comfortably drive.

   • Reduced Screen Time: Give your eyes a much-needed break! Reduced screen time (computers, phones, TV) is highly recommended, especially in the initial days. Straining your eyes can increase swelling and discomfort.

2. Rest and Activity Restrictions:

   • Quiet Rest: It’s important to get quiet, peaceful rest during the first 8 to 10 days after your surgery.

   • Avoid Straining: Let your healthcare provider know if you’re having nausea or cold symptoms. It’s important for you to avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting as much as you can, as these can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at your surgical sites.

   • Lifting and Exercise: Avoid activities such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. Specifically, do not bend at the waist or lift items heavier than (2.5 kilograms) for 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. Always talk with your surgeon before returning to your usual activities.

3. Managing Swelling and Bruising:

   • Elevate Your Head: Gravity is your friend during recovery! Rest and sleep with your head raised on 2 to 3 pillows for 2 weeks. This will significantly help reduce swelling at your surgical sites.

   • Swelling Progression: Your eyes may look quite swollen and bruised after surgery. Eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will improve during the day as you sit or walk around. You may also experience swelling on your cheeks and jawline, which will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.

   • Cold Compresses: One of the most effective ways to manage swelling and discomfort is through frequent application of cold compresses.

     • Preparation: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before using cold compresses and eye drops. Make a cold compress by applying sterile saline solution to a sterile gauze pad. You can keep the bottle of normal saline in the refrigerator, freezer, or on ice.

     • Application: Apply the cold compress to your eyelids every 10 to 15 minutes (on for 10 to 15 minutes, then off for 10 to 15 minutes) for the first 24 hours after your surgery. Try to do this as much as possible while you’re awake. After 24 hours, cold compresses are not as effective.

   • Eye Drops: Use sterile saline eye drops if your vision is blurry or if Dr Supra has prescribed an eye ointment. Apply the eye drops every 4 hours to the inner part of your eye. Do not pull on your eyelids while using the eye drops.

4. Showering and Applying Makeup:

   • Showering: You can take showers from the neck down any time after your surgery. Do not take full showers until Dr Supra tells you it’s safe to do so, which is usually 14 days after surgery. You may gently wash below your eyes with wipes or a soft washcloth. You can use dry shampoo for your hair. Once you can take full showers, you can wash your eyelids and shampoo your hair with mild products, such as baby shampoo.

   • Makeup and Creams: Do not apply creams or makeup (such as eye shadow, eyeliner, or mascara) to your surgical sites for 2 weeks after your surgery. You can use creams and makeup on the rest of your face.

Patience is Key

Remember, recovery is a process, not an event. While the initial bruising and swelling will subside relatively quickly, it can take several weeks for all the swelling to completely resolve and for your final results to become apparent. Follow all post-operative instructions diligently, attend all follow-up appointments, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to a smooth recovery and enjoying the refreshed look of your eyes!