Eyelid Recovery: Timeline, Stages and Tips

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that improves your appearance and solves any functional problems related to your eyelids. This surgery is performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or even both.

Eyelid surgery can treat sagging skin that creates folds in the upper eyelid, bags under the eyes, drooping lower eyelids, excess skin and fine wrinkles, and even more. All of these problems appear because of aging, genes, and other factors.

Many patients do eyelid surgery to return the youthful look to the eyes since they are the first thing people notice in your face.

What is the recovery time for an eyelid recovery?

Eyelid surgery has a short recovery time. You may expect to have bruising and swelling in the first few days after surgery; however, they will quickly disappear. During the first 48 hours, you are required to use cool compresses that can reduce bruising and swelling around the eyes and face. However, in the second week, the majority of the bruising and swelling will resolve. Patients can usually resume light activates after 7 to 10 days of surgery.

Eyelid recovery week by week

Knowing what to expect after eyelid surgery can be very important, although the recovery timeline varies from one patient to another.

In the first week after an eyelid surgery:

You may expect some puffiness or swelling around the eyes. However, this is very normal and considered a part of the healing process. These swelling and puffiness will go away after 7 to 10 days from surgery. The incisions around your eyes could look pink and visible; in addition to that, your eyelids will be numb for several days. Your eyes could also be watery, dry, or sensitive. Some patients may also experience some tenderness and bruising around the eyes, causing what can be could a “black eye.”

In the second week after an eyelid surgery:

You can now start wearing some light makeup and contact lenses again. However, you need to wear sunglasses outside at this point to protect your eyes from sunlight and wind. In addition to that, doctors recommend avoiding using mobile, watching TV, or reading on an iPad since it may dry your eyes. This week, most patients go back to work but should still avoid bending or lifting because they increase blood flow to the eyes.

In the third and fourth week after an eyelid surgery:

You will start noticing the final result of your eyelid surgery. However, at this point, you will still suffer from a very mild swelling in the tissues and muscles around the eyes. You can return to do strenuous exercise such as running, swimming. After few weeks of surgery, your eyes will look younger and more refreshed, giving your whole face a bright new appearance. We advise you to follow your doctor’s orders to have the best possible benefits of eyelid surgery.

Eyelid recovery tips

Many tips are proven to improve your eyelid recovery, making you look better and avoid any risks or complications, such as:

Take some time to rest from work, school, and other daily activities to heal properly.

It is important to use ice packs on your eyes during the first 3 days of surgery.
Clean your eyelids gently using a soft garment.
Use your eye drops or ointments as prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid rubbing your eyes or even touching them in the first few days.
Do not wear any contact lenses for at least two weeks after the eyelid procedure.
Sleep with your head raised above your chest in the first few days after your surgery.
Stop smoking before and after the procedure.
Avoid using ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium since they may increase bleeding.
Protect your eyes from wind, sunlight, and other elements during your recovery by wearing dark sunglasses, a hat for protection, and applying a good sunscreen.
Avoid straining your eyes with activities such as reading, watching TV, using a smart mobile phone, or checking your email the week following your eyelid surgery.
Get a good sleep since it helps your body to heal, speeding up the recovery process.
Do not rush going back to activities that increase blood flow to your eyes, causing your incisions to bleed; this includes heavy lifting, aerobics, intensive exercise, and sports.
Have realistic expectations about your eyelid surgery; understanding the recovery process ahead of time can help your eyes recover safely.

How painful is the eyelid recovery process?

Eyelid surgery is considered to be one of the least painful cosmetic procedures. However, patients should expect a little discomfort feeling on the first few days after surgery. This procedure is not very painful, but you need some time to recover and see the final results like any surgery.

How to speed up healing after eyelid?

To speed up your recovery after doing eyelid surgery, you need to:

Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.
Use sun protection such as sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
Avoid stressing your eyes as much as possible.
Finally, get plenty of rest and sleep well to charge your body with the required healing energy.

References:

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/recovery

https://www.verywellhealth.com/eyelid-surgery-recovery-2709807