What can I Expect After Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is an elective eyelid surgery often used to enhance the appearance of the eyes. Blepharoplasty is most commonly used to remove bags from under the eyes, reduce puffiness around the eyes, and improve the appearance of droopy or baggy eyelids. Though blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, it requires a recovery period, like any other surgery. Though it may take weeks to fully recovery from the surgery, the first ten days after blepharoplasty are critical. During this time, patients may experience inflammation, dry eyes, light sensitivity, and blurry vision, along with the general effects of any type of surgery.

Blepharoplasty allows a cosmetic surgeon to remove excess fat, skin, and muscle from the eyelids both above and below the eyes. The procedure itself usually takes between one and two hours to complete. Blepharoplasty patients may be asked to spend a night in the hospital, depending on their cosmetic surgeon's preference.

After blepharoplasty, you may experience inflammation around the incisions. Excessive tearing, dryness of the eyes, and blurred vision may occur. You may also find that your eyes are sensitive to light immediately after the procedure.

In the first few days after blepharoplasty, you may need to apply ointment to your incisions to keep them moist. Cold packs can be used to reduce inflammation and eye drops can keep the eyes moist.

Patients are generally advised to avoid activities that lead to eye dryness and fatigue for at least ten days following the surgery. Reading, wearing contact lenses, watching television, and using a computer are all activities that surgeons recommend foregoing in the first ten days after blepharoplasty. The head should generally be kept elevated to minimize swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty. Stitches are usually taken out about seven days after surgery. Normal activities may often be largely resumed after the initial ten days of recovery have passed.

Your surgeon may recommend protecting your eyes with dark sunglasses for at least two weeks after blepharoplasty. Your eyes may become easily fatigued and you may need to take short naps often. You will probably be advised to avoid physical exercise during the entire recovery period. Crying, lifting, bending, and other activities that can augment blood flow to the area around the eyes should generally be avoided during recovery from blepharoplasty.

A full recovery from blepharoplasty may take several weeks. You may be able to minimize your recovery time by following your surgeon's instructions precisely, avoiding eyestrain, and resting the eyes often. Refraining from strenuous physical activity and crying can hasten recovery. You should be able to resume most of your normal activities ten days after surgery.