Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

What to expect after surgery (Post-Op)

Following a Blepharoplasty procedure, your plastic surgeon or nurse will lubricate your eyes, apply ointment to the incisions and gently place cold compresses on the eye area. The eye area may also be bandaged with gauze to loosely cover the eyes following Eyelid Surgery. During Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) incisions made are normally done in the creases or edges of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. You will most likely be prescribed oral medications to help manage any pain or discomfort and an antibiotic to help prevent infection following a Blepharoplasty. Patients typically return home within hours of having Eyelid Surgery.

Recovery Time

It normally takes several weeks to recover from Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty). I general, your stitches may be removed about a week after the procedure and you can generally resume normal activities or return to work in approximately 10 days. Strenuous activity, exercise regimens or actions that increase blood flow to the eyes such as lifting, bending or crying cannot be resumed until at least three to four weeks following a Blepharoplasty.

Following Eyelid Surgery, you will be given post-op instructions for caring for your eyes. This should include detailed instructions for properly cleaning and dressing your eyes. Your surgeon may recommend that you wear dark sunglasses to help address any light sensitivity and to reduce irritation caused by the sun and wind for the first few weeks of recovery.

Your eyes may tire easily for the first several weeks following a Blepharoplasty. It's important to stay well rested and to avoid wearing contact lenses, reading, watching television or using a computer following surgery. There will be some swelling and bruising around the eyes following Eyelid Surgery. Swelling and bruising can be minimized by keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses to the eyes. The incision sites will need to be lubricated with ointment and eye drops may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and dryness of the eyes. Bruising, redness and swelling occurring after Eyelid Surgery will fade as recovery continues.

It is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions. This helps to ensure proper healing, to reduce possibility of infection, and to achieve the best aesthetic results.

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