Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Recovery: Patient Healing Information
Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a highly effective anti-aging and facial rejuvenation procedure. It's ideal for sagging upper eyelids as well as bags and hollow around the lower eyelids. After the eyelift is performed, patients look much younger and more energetic.
The team at our Fairfield, CT plastic surgery center would like to go over the basics of the recovery process for eyelid surgery patients. This should give prospective patients a good idea of what to expect after they've undergone the procedure.
Taking Time Off from Work
In order to make a full recovery after surgery, it's important that a patient take time off from work. Two weeks off is usually enough to rest and focus on healing. Two weeks also allows many of the side effects associated with surgery to pass.
If you work in a physically demanding field, you may need to take additional time off. Similarly, you might return to work after two weeks but will need to avoid certain activities for a few weeks just to ensure you do not experience surgical complications.
Activities You Should Avoid
After eyelid surgery, it's important that you avoid the following activities:
- Smoking and using tobacco products
- Consuming alcoholic beverages
- Heavy lifting
- Strenuous exercise
- Rubbing your eyes
- Swimming (even with goggles)
- Hot tubs and saunas
Managing Pain and Discomfort
The pain experienced after surgery is typically most pronounced in the early days of healing. This pain can be managed by using prescription pain killers. As the discomfort abates, any minor pain a patient feels can be addressed using over-the-counter pain medication.
Managing Bruising and Swelling
Both bruising and swelling are common side effects after any sort of surgery, resulting in puffiness and discoloration around the eyes. Major swelling should be over by the end of two weeks, with residual swelling persisting for a few weeks after. Bruising will also last for about two weeks, with some minor residual discoloration lasting for another week or so.
Ointment and Eye Drops
To keep your eyes comfortable and free from infection, you will likely receive ointment to put on the eyelids. This helps reduce itchiness and irritation. For dry eyes, using lubricating eye drops as directed can help prevent excessive itchiness.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Sunlight can lead to poor healing and can cause acute light sensitivity as you are recovering. If you have to go outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim. The shade provided can make a major difference in terms of your ability to heal.
Attend Follow-Up Visits with Your Surgeon
Eyelid surgery patients will have a few follow-up visits with their surgeon. This will allow surgeons to monitor the recovery process and ensure patients are doing okay as they heal. Patients are encouraged to discuss their concerns at these follow-up visits and at any time during the recovery process.
Is There Scarring After Eyelid Surgery?
There is some scarring after any surgery, but eyelid surgery scars are small and difficult to detect. These are typically located inside the natural fold of the upper eyelid or just beneath the eyelashes of the lower eyelid. As time goes by, the scars will fade and become even less noticeable.
Contact Dr. Anya Kishinevsky
If you would like to learn more about cosmetic eyelid surgery and how it can help you experience an enhanced appearance, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon today. Our team will help you look younger and more refreshed.
