What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery: Recovery and Results

So, you’ve been told you need eyelid surgery. Or perhaps you’re interested in having it done to enhance your appearance. Whatever the reason, it can be a pretty daunting time. How long will it take? Will you be out of action for long? And how will you look afterward…?

The following discusses everything you need to know about the recovery period and the results such a procedure should bring.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery & Results: All your questions answered

• How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?
• What do I need to do during the recovery period?
• What results can I expect from eyelid surgery?

How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery—or blepharoplasty, to use the correct medical terminology—is a low-risk and reasonably minor procedure that has a fast recovery period. Generally, you’ll need to allow about a week to get over the worst of it. This will mean taking time off work, not driving, and avoiding any strenuous activities.

Because it’s an invasive procedure, you’ll have some bruising, redness, and scars. These will fade over the first week or so but might remain obvious for longer than this. By the 6–8-week point, pretty much all of the evidence of surgery should be gone, and you’ll be enjoying the full effects of what can be a pretty dramatic transformation.

What do I need to do during the recovery period?

In the first week after surgery, you’ll need to do the following:

• Use a couple of pillows to prop up your head when resting. This is to help reduce any swelling.
• Take over-the-counter or any prescribed painkillers as directed by your surgeon. Pain is usually mild and disappears after the first few days.
• Clean your eyelids gently using the drops and/or ointment that you’ll be provided with.
• Use cold packs on your closed eyes 3 times a day for the first few days. Again, this will help reduce swelling. Don’t apply them directly to the skin—they must be wrapped in a tea towel or similar material.
• Wear sunglasses when outside to protect your eyes from both the sun and wind.
• Don’t wear contact lenses.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Don’t swim or carry out any strenuous activities
• Avoid getting water around the eye area. This might mean taking a bath instead of a shower.
• Avoid smoky atmospheres and don’t smoke—smoke will irritate the eyes and make you want to rub them.

It’s normal to experience numb, puffy eyelids that are difficult to close. Watery, sensitive eyes should also be expected, as should bruising—somewhat like a black eye. Don’t be worried if you can see small scars. These will fade to virtually nothing over time.

What results can I expect from eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery can be quite miraculous. If you have eyelids that droop into your field of vision, life without this will be much enhanced. Under eye procedures can remove bags and puffiness. The operation should restore a much fresher, more youthful appearance, and be a wonderful confidence booster as a younger-looking you smiles back in the mirror.

Whether you have a blepharoplasty for medical or aesthetic reasons, you’re pretty sure to be delighted with the results.

Ready to Explore Eyelid Surgery? Call the West Boca Eye Center Today

There’s no better place in the US to get eyelid surgery than the WBEC. Our clinicians aren’t simply some of the best in the country, but we also understand how worrying it can be to undergo such a procedure.

We’ll explain everything, answer all your questions, and prepare you for the smoothest procedure at our academic-grade medical facility. 

Find out more about eyelid surgery at https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/eyelid-surgery/ and call us today to discuss further or to book a no-obligation initial consultation.  

So, you’ve been told you need eyelid surgery. Or perhaps you’re interested in having it done to enhance your appearance.

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