The Road to Radiant Eyes: Tips For A Smooth Blepharoplasty Recovery
Undergoing a blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a big and exciting step towards achieving a refreshed and youthful appearance. While the procedure itself plays a significant role, a smooth recovery is equally vital in ensuring optimal results. Let’s explore the healing process, recovery timeline and valuable tips to help you have a seamless blepharoplasty recovery process.
How Should I Prepare For Eyelid Surgery?
During your blepharoplasty consultation, your doctor will get to know you and provide expert recommendations to meet your goals. They will explain the full procedure and provide you with detailed preoperative care instructions to ensure you are well prepared to undergo plastic surgery. In order to prepare for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:
Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Avoid sun damage two weeks before your surgery. Be sure to wear 30 SPF or higher.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive or leave alone.
Do not wear face or eye makeup on the day of your surgery.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions regarding your post-operative care. Since every patient has unique needs, your procedure as well as your care instructions will be personalized to you. Following these instructions will ensure that you heal quickly and properly in order to enjoy your optimal results. Typically after your eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:
Apply iced gauze pads to the eyes and cheeks during the first 48 hours to minimize swelling and discoloration.
Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. A recliner or an extra pillow under your head is adequate.
Avoid strenuous physical activities including exercise.
Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds at all costs after surgery. Heat may cause your face to swell.
Only take medications prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid wearing makeup after blepharoplasty surgery.
How Long Is The Blepharoplasty Recovery Time?
Every eyelid surgery timeline is unique, but since it is not a painful or major procedure, the blepharoplasty recovery period is relatively easy. Depending on the type of cosmetic procedure you get, you will need to take anywhere from five days to two weeks off work. If you get lower eyelid surgery, you can generally expect to be fully recovered after just 14 days. If you get lower and upper blepharoplasty, a full recovery may take you a bit longer.
How Is the Healing Process After Blepharoplasty?
While it may seem a little scary at first, the first thing you’ll notice when you wake up from your blepharoplasty, is blurry vision. This is completely normal and is due to a thick antibiotic ointment being applied to the eye area to prevent the surface from becoming dry. Blurred vision is temporary and your full vision should return to normal after about two weeks.
You should also expect to feel exhausted during the first 24 to 72 hours post-op. Be sure to get as much rest as your body needs during this time. Avoid strenuous activities while always protecting your eyes. By the eighth day of your eyelid surgery recovery time, you should be feeling like your old self again while still ensuring you’re resting your eyes as much as possible and being gentle with yourself.
Moderate swelling and bruising is also normal, though the severity will differ from person to person. If you have an upper eyelid surgery or a lower eyelid surgery, the bruising and swelling should decrease after just one to two weeks. If you have both an upper and lower eyelid surgery, it may take two to four weeks to become unnoticeable.
Do I Need To Get Stitches Removed?
Two different types of stitches may be used during your blepharoplasty. Dissolvable sutures may be used with glue to close the skin and do not need to be taken out. The other type of stitches require removal after seven to ten days or until the area is settled. Your doctor will provide you with instructions on caring for your stitches and planning their removal if applicable.
Will I Have A Blepharoplasty Scar?
Since blepharoplasty is an invasive procedure, you will have minimal scarring, but the placement and severity of the scars will depend on the type of procedure performed. Thankfully, the eyelids are one of the easiest places to heal. Blepharoplasty scar healing takes place overtime, and the scars become unnoticeable.
Upper eyelid scars are hidden by creases in the eyelid skin, especially when your eyes are open while lower eyelid scars are hidden by lashes and barely seen. While scarring is minimal and typically not a concern for patients, your doctor can provide extra measures for you to take to ensure the scarring does not affect your satisfaction with the results.
Your Blepharoplasty Results
Many patients look more youthful, appear less tired, experience improved vision, and improved self-confidence. The results of your eyelid surgery are long-lasting and can be enjoyed for years to come. Check out the life changing results from real patients who received a blepharoplasty at CAPS and view our before and after gallery.
Schedule A Blepharoplasty Consultation
The six award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at CAPS are some of the best eyelid surgeons in Columbus, Ohio. Our attentive staff, luxurious amenities and flexible financing options make us the premier destination for blepharoplasty in Ohio and across the nation. If you’re ready to improve the appearance of your eyes, schedule a consultation today! We would love to assist you on your journey to radiant, refreshed eyes and a youthful appearance.