Swelling After Eyelid Surgery

Yes, it is very normal for swelling to appear in your eyelids after surgery, you may feel that your eyes may are hard to open. The swelling will peaks after 24 to 48 hours from eyelid surgery, it will begin to decrease after that.

We already know how this simple and low-risk procedure can help you get a more youthful appearance while raising your levels of confidence at the same time. However, consider that swelling around the eyelid is a natural part of the recovery process.

Like any surgery, the eyelid requires simple incisions; those operated-upon areas will be more sensitive and will require some time to heal properly. Swelling is a common and normal side effect of eyelid lift surgery. As we mentioned before, swelling will typically appear shortly after surgery, it will reach the peak after about 24 hours from the procedure, and will slowly fade in the next few days.

However, some swelling could remain for several weeks, do not worry, since it is usually minor and should not interfere greatly with social commitments. Eyelid surgery is considered a fast healing surgery, most patients will feel happy about their new look after few weeks from surgery.

Although swelling is normal and expected after eyelid surgery, many things can be done to minimize it and make your recovery more comfortable and shorter, including sleeping with your head slightly elevated to help the swelling drain down your face, and applying ice packs to your eyes in the first 24 hours.

How to reduce swelling after eyelid?

Many things can be done after eyelid surgery to reduce swelling and improve the healing process, such as:

Applying a cold compress for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Patients usually apply the compress for 10 to 15 minutes, and then remove it in the next 10 to 15 minutes. Compresses have proven to be very effective in the first day or two after surgery.
Keeping your head up will reduce the fluid pressure around your eye tissues. Many patients prefer sleeping upright in a reclining chair or use extra pillows under their heads for the first couple of days after surgery.
Wear sunglasses whenever you are outside to protect your new incisions from UV rays, wind, and other environmental factors. Sun could permanently darken scars, and making them irritating, which will increase swelling and slow healing.

Avoid smoking because nicotine products may lead to many complications. We recommend patients stop smoking before and after eyelid surgery.
Do not wear makeup because it can lead to infections in your open incisions, wait until your doctor clears you to resume using them.
Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting, since they can lead to some complications after eyelid surgery. Take it easy for the first few days and ask your doctor when you are ready to return to work. Most patients take one or two weeks off work and limit strenuous activities for at least 3 to 4 weeks from their eyelid lift surgery.
Do not wear contact lenses until your doctor allows you.

How long does swelling go down after the eyelid?

Eyelid surgery is considered one of the simplest and safest cosmetic procedures, this surgery will leave you with a younger appearance, and however, this young appearance is hidden under the swelling and bruising in the first few weeks. Swelling will appear immediately after an eyelid lift surgery, it will be severe during the first 24 to 48 hours, and it will start to fade after that. However, complete recovery from eyelid swelling could take around 7 days.

Eyelid surgery requires making simple incisions around your eyes making them even tenderers, which is why the healing process in this area is sensitive. Patients will suffer from some pain, swelling, and bruises during the first week; however, some patients will apply ice packs, and keep them elevated among many other things that can be done to decrease the swelling and improve the healing process.

Although recovery time and the journey can be different from one patient to another, we can say that you should expect your upper and lower eyelid skin to be tender and puffy due to the swelling. In this sensitive time, doctors advise you to avoid straining yourself.

Your face and eyes will look completely natural and normal in a matter of just a few weeks, they will actually look better. However, following doctor orders, doing the right actions, and avoiding the wrong behaviors from the start will have a powerful impact on your recovery time as well as your eyes swelling. Contact your plastic surgery for more information about your recovery.

References:

https://www.capitalfps.com/reduce-eyelid-swelling-after-blepharoplasty/

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/instructions-care-after-blepharoplasty