Eyelid Surgery Aftercare

Are you interested in having eyelid surgery but would like to know more about the recovery? After a blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, recovery is vital to a successful outcome. When you are well-prepared and follow your surgeon’s instructions from A to Z, recovery after eyelid surgery can also be pain-free and uncomplicated.

Eyelid surgery recovery: understanding the process

Genetics or age cause most peoples’ eyelids to sag at some point. Genetic traits, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits can accelerate this process. It’s normal for your skin to lose firmness, tone, and elasticity, particularly in the very delicate skin around the eyes. When your upper eyelids droop, you can look permanently sad and puffy. Your lower eyelids can also become bulgy and saggy, creating actual ‘bags’ under your eyes that give the impression of permanent exhaustion. The only procedure that can actually revert this is a blepharoplasty or eyelid lift. And a fear of the recovery process shouldn’t prevent you from getting it.

You need to learn how a blepharoplasty is performed in order to understand that recovery is also quite simple. In short, here is what an eyelid lift entails:

• This surgery is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. (Yes, recovery can be done in the comfort of your own home or our cozy recovery boutique.)
• Through a small incision in the crease of your eyelids, the doctor will carefully excise extra skin or tissue from your upper eyelids. He or she will use dissolvable stitches to close the incisions.
• If you also need attention to your lower eyelids, the surgeon will then make a small incision beneath the lower eyelash or inside the lid.  The procedure is pretty much the same: excise excess skin and use stitches to close the incision.
• Your surgeon will strategically create the smallest incision possible in the less conspicuous place possible.
• After a couple of hours, when the effects of the anesthesia have passed, it’s time to head home and start recovery.

Eyelid surgery recovery timeline and aftercare

Because of the small incisions, eyelid surgery aftercare instructions are very easy to follow, downtime is short, and you’ll be back to your regular routine in no time. Read below to learn how long it takes to recover from eyelid surgery.

• The first 48 hours after eyelid surgery are the most uncomfortable for patients. During this time, you should expect bruising and swelling in the area. It is also normal to feel dryness or itching in your eyes, especially in your stitches. These first two days are super important and will set the tone for the rest of your recovery! Here are some things that will make your first 48 hours after surgery better:
  • Rest. You will probably feel groggy from the anesthesia. Remember to nap with your head elevated at all times.
  • Manage the swelling in the area. Dry, cold compresses can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Keep the area clean. You will leave the hospital with bandages. Depending on your surgery, your doctor will instruct you to change the bandages every so often. Ask a friend or relative for help.
  • If dryness and itchiness become too uncomfortable, ask your surgeon for drops or an ointment that can safely be applied in the area.
• The first week after eyelid surgery will be much better . After the first two days; swelling, bruising, and discomfort will start decreasing substantially. There are a couple of things you can do to help your body recover during this first week after surgery:
• • To help your eyes feel more comfortable, avoid activities that will dry them up.
  • Don’t skip your follow-up appointments. Your doctor will need to check how the incisions are healing and evaluate if it’s time to remove your stitches.
  • Wear sunglasses whenever you’re outside. The sun and the wind can cause extra irritation.
  • Rest frequently. Close your eyes, take a nap, etc. (Keep your head elevated!)

• Weeks three and four after eyelid surgery are when most patients report feeling 100% better. Swelling will most likely be gone, and if you continue to protect your eyes from drying and irritating agents, they shouldn’t bother you at all. There’s one thing you can do to help your recovery at this time:    Avoid activities that increase the blood flow to the eyes, such as sports, lifting heavy things, and crying. Your doctor will let you know when you can safely return to exercising safely.

After the first month post-surgery, most patients can appreciate the complete results of their blepharoplasty. Your eyes will look younger, smoother, and more awake. Any swelling left at this time is minimal, and with the right care, it will be gone in no time.

Eyelid surgery recovery tips

The absolute best thing you can do in order to have a good eyelid lift recovery is to be prepared. Prepare well before the surgery by following these tips:

• Ask about recovery from your first consultation. Nothing will make you feel more at ease than knowing what to expect. Even though complications at the time of recovery are small with an eyelid lift, ask your surgeon what steps to take in order to minimize the risks.
• Stock up on medical supplies: from eye drops to sunglasses, neck pillows, and extra bandages, buy everything you’ll need ahead of time.
• Pack a bag of comfortable clothing to leave the hospital.
• Set up a ‘recovery station’ in your home. Choose your favorite couch or bed and make sure you have all your essentials nearby.
• Write down doubts and contact your doctor. As we said, nothing beats being prepared. After talking with a board certified plastic surgeon, you’ll see that eyelid surgery recovery is pretty straightforward.

Whether you are looking for a surgeon to expertly perform a blepharoplasty, have doubts regarding upper and lower eyelid surgery recovery, or are ready to move forward and schedule your procedure, don’t hesitate to contact VIDA Wellness and Beauty Center. Call us toll-free at (619) 738-2144 to schedule your one-on-one consultation and get ready to rediscover your beautiful eyes.

Dr. Alejandro Quiroz

Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.