Eyelid surgery recovery time will be different for each patient. Your plastic surgeon should be able to estimate the expected length of your healing process, but these estimates are usually a range as everyone heals differently.
If you are interested in eyelid surgery and want to learn some eyelid surgery recovery tips, you are in the right place! Read on to learn more.
What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Patients who are unhappy with drooping skin on their upper eyelids may be interested in blepharoplasty. Drooping lids can be a genetic feature, but most men and women who seek blepharoplasty are interested in this procedure due to the effects of aging.
The cosmetic procedure itself removes excess skin on the upper (or lower) lids. Sometimes, we may remove excess fat as well. The outcome is a more youthful appearance.
If you have upper eyelids that droop below the pupil so that it is actually difficult to see, this may be a slightly different version of upper blepharoplasty called ptosis repair. Any combination of these eyelid surgeries can improve your appearance and/or make it easier to see!
How Long Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
Do keep in mind that everyone’s blepharoplasty recovery time and experience will be different. However, the initial average recovery time* for eyelid surgery is approximately two weeks. During this time, you may have some discomfort, swelling and bruising, and redness.
Sometimes, patients experience dryness of the eyes or irritation around the incision sites on their upper eyelids. These symptoms can typically all be managed with ointments, cold compresses, and medications provided by your surgeon.
You should avoid intensive exercise and heavy lifting during your recovery. These types of activities can increase blood flow throughout your body, and that includes in the eye area. You do not want to increase blood flow when you are recovering from eyelid surgery.
Additionally, do not smoke or drink alcohol. Try to focus on healthy meals with plenty of protein, which will aid in recovery. Protein shakes can be a good thing to have as you heal because they are simple to buy or make and easy to eat as well.
Avoid irritating or excessively touching your eye area. If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch to glasses for a time. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to properly care for your wounds, bathe, and get a good night’s sleep. Follow these directions closely.
*Please note that this is for the average upper blepharoplasty recovery time. Lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) may have a different recovery time from upper blepharoplasty recovery. If you undergo surgery on your upper and lower eyelids at the same time, the recovery process will be extended.
What Will My Eyelids Look Like as They Heal?
We recommend looking at eyelid surgery recovery photos to get a better idea of what you can expect visually as your eyelids heal.
For the most part, you should expect some swelling, bruising, redness, dryness, and possible irritation around your eyelids. These are all common symptoms and to be expected.
Most patients want to be able to cover recover quietly at home without seeing anyone for the first few weeks. So, they will take off time from work when necessary. After several weeks, most patients feel more comfortable about going out in public and can return to most of their normal routine.
FAQ: Eyelid Surgical Procedure
How much is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty cost differs depending on who your plastic surgeon is, what type of blepharoplasty you are undergoing, the extent of your surgery and what your goals are, what type of anesthesia you receive, how long your operation is, where you undergo surgery (surgical facility, hospital, etc.), and other factors.
The cost of your procedure will even depend on where in the country you get surgery. Prices are simply higher in cities and highly populated areas.
In some cases, health insurance may cover the costs of blepharoplasty. This usually happens when patients require surgery to help with their vision. You can talk to your insurance provider about requirements for coverage.
What’s the difference between eyelid surgery and a brow lift?
As the name indicates, eyelid surgery focuses on the eyelids only. A brow lift, on the other hand, will also help draw up a drooping brow line. Brow lifts can improve the eyelids as well, but if you don’t require a lift to the brows, blepharoplasty alone is typically adequate.
There is also a face and neck lift that will usually improve the eyelids as well. This surgery is for even more advanced signs of aging that extend beyond the eyes and brows, however. Talk to your surgeon about what procedure would be best for you.
How long does it take for eyelid surgery to heal?
While the procedure is generally pain-free, swelling and bruising may occur. It’s common for individuals to feel at ease returning to public activities within 10 to 14 days post-surgery. However, complete healing may take several months. Throughout your recovery period from blepharoplasty, employing cold compresses and antibiotic ointments can help alleviate swelling.
How painful is upper eyelid surgery?
Usually, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a procedure with minimal pain, and patients typically report little discomfort during the recovery phase. The surgery is relatively gentle, akin to a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not typically a source of significant pain.
How long before you can drive after eyelid surgery?
Refrain from driving until you’ve ceased taking pain medication and your vision has cleared. Ensure you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel, wear dark sunglasses, which typically occurs around 5 to 10 days post-surgery. Prioritize quiet, restful recovery during the initial 3 to 4 days following your procedure.
Call Today to Set Up a Personal Consultation Appointment
Looking for the best blepharoplasty surgeon in the Las Vegas area? Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rachel Mason performs cosmetic surgery on eyelids at her Las Vegas practice.
Please give our office a call today to learn more about eyelid surgery in general and how to qualify for eyelid surgery. Let’s help you book your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Mason!
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/three-things-you-should-know-before-getting-an-eyelid-lift