Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Recovery: Patient Healing Information
When patients suffer from drooping or sagging eyelids, a visit to the plastic surgeon may be in order. Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can bring out the best in your appearance, making you look years younger.
The team at our Fort Worth, TX office would like to focus on the recovery process following an eyelift. This brief rundown will help you understand what to expect after you undergo this surgical procedure.
How Much Time Should I Take Off from Work?
For cosmetic eyelid surgery and other kinds of facial surgery procedures, it’s generally a good idea to take about two weeks off from work. This will give time for your most visible and notable side effects to pass, and allows you to rest and focus on healing.
When you return to work, keep in mind that you may not be able to perform all of your job duties immediately. Be sure to discuss this with your employer so they can accommodate you as you recover.
Activities to Avoid
Following cosmetic eyelid surgery, patients will want to avoid the following activities:
- Smoking
- Consuming alcoholic beverages
- Heavy lifting
- Strenuous exercise
- Rubbing your eyes
- Swimming (even with goggles)
- Saunas and hot tubs
All of the above activities increase your risk of infection, reopening incisions, and other complications. Your plastic surgeon will advise you on when you can resume these activities.
Pain and Discomfort
Soreness around the eyes is to be expected after your eyelid surgery. This will usually last for several days, though patients should notice improvements from day to day. To manage your discomfort, prescription pain relievers and/or over-the-counter medication may be recommended.
Bruising and Swelling
Both bruising and swelling are a given following any surgery. The swelling around the eyes will diminish by the end of the second week, though some residual swelling may last for a few weeks after that. Bruising is most noticeable for about two weeks after surgery, with mild discoloration/residual bruising lasting another two weeks.
Dry Eye and Irritation
Dry eye and irritation of the eyelids can occur during recovery, Ointment is provided to help keep your eyelids moistened and protect from infection. Eye drops can be used to lubricate your eyes in case of dryness or discomfort. These should become less of an issue the further out you get from surgery.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Your eyes will be extremely sensitive to light following surgery. Be sure to wear sunglasses when outdoors, and to avoid direct sunlight in general if possible. The sunglasses will help protect your vision and will protect your eyes from the effects of the sun.
Avoid Wearing Contacts
If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch back to glasses for about 10 to 14 days after surgery. This is to make sure you fully recover and do not risk potential infection or discomfort by having your contact lenses in.
Attend Follow-Up Visits as Scheduled
A series of follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon will be scheduled in the weeks following surgery. The first of these follow-ups is usually done within the first week. Be sure to attend all of these visits as scheduled to ensure you are healing properly. Address any concerns or emergencies during the recovery process to the plastic surgery office as soon as possible.
Learn More About Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
For more information about cosmetic eyelid surgery and how it can help you look years younger and far more refreshed, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center today. We look forward to your visit and discussing these options with you in much greater detail.