What Is It like to Recover from Eyelid Surgery
- Posted on: Jul 15 2018
Eyelid rejuvenation has become one of the leading cosmetic procedures for good reason. Regardless of other signs of aging, heavy and droopy eyelids make the face appear older. Moreover, puffiness and sagging around the eyes also makes a person appear tired and, in some cases, unfriendly. Tapering the tissue on the upper or lower eyelids is a great way to bring new life into the entire face. Here, we discuss what it’s like to recover from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Most people who schedule blepharoplasty expect to experience some degree of swelling and bruising after their procedure. One of the vital aspects of post-operative instructions is to keep the head elevated as much as possible. Patients can accomplish this comfortably by sleeping on a few pillows. Cold compresses may also be applied for about twenty minutes at a time for the first two days after surgery to minimize the amount of swelling and bruising that takes place.
In addition to bruising and swelling, blepharoplasty patients will also experience some soreness and tenderness in the eye area. Pain should be relatively inconsequential, easily managed with pain medication prescribed for the post-op period. After a few days, many patients can switch to over-the-counter pain relievers to stay comfortable. Within five to seven days, most patients look and feel well enough to return to work and other normal activities. However, it is important to avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks.
Scarring is generally not a concern after blepharoplasty because incisions are often on the inside of the eyelid. If incisions are made on the outer surface, the skin may appear slightly pink for several days but will lighten and return to normal over time. As incision scars heal, they are usually inconspicuous due to their location in the natural crease of the eyelid.
Ultimately, every patient will have a unique experience during recovery from blepharoplasty. The timeframes and extent of side effects occur differently in every case. If the appearance of your eyes is downgrading your fresh, youthful, and friendly appearance, blepharoplasty may be the ideal procedure for long-term rejuvenation.
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Schaffer, call our San Antonio office at 210-227-3223.
Posted in: Blepharoplasty
