Whether you’re hoping to repair hooded eyes, sagging eyelids, or drooping lower lids blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can help. The procedure itself is well-established and safe. It has a high success rate and can drastically improve your appearance while still looking natural.
Even blepharoplasty recovery is typically a smooth and easy experience for most patients. Still, you’ll want some advice before you embark on the recovery process. Whether you are undergoing upper or lower eyelid surgery, here are 19 tips to help make the experience easier.
19 Tips for an Easy Blepharoplasty Recovery
1. Follow Your Surgeon’s Post Operative Instructions
During your blepharoplasty recovery time, be sure to adhere strictly to your surgeon’s post-operative care guidelines — for example, no intensive exercise or heavy lifting, wear the proper bandages, and attend all follow-up appointments.
2. Apply Cold Compresses
If your surgeon is okay with it, you may use cold compresses on your eyes to reduce swelling and discomfort over the first 48 hours.
3. Keep Your Head Elevated
After any cosmetic surgery procedure on the face, it is wise to sleep with your head elevated. This will minimize swelling and bruising.
4. Take Prescribed Medications as Directed
Use all prescribed pain medication and other medications as directed after your surgical procedure. These will be meant to manage discomfort and prevent infection.
5. Avoid Straining Your Eyes
Limit activities that strain your eyes, such as reading, watching TV from far away, or using digital devices for prolonged periods. Letting your eyes rest is good for a successful healing process, especially for the first few days.
6. Get Adequate Rest
Ensure you get plenty of rest to support your body’s healing process. At the same time, you want to maintain proper circulation and moderately increase blood flow, so get up and walk around at least once every hour or two during the day.
7. Keep Your Incision Sites Clean
Keep the surgical area clean to prevent infections. You will receive directions on how to perform proper wound-healing care.
8. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Refrain from touching or rubbing your eyes to prevent irritation or injury.
9. Use Lubricating Eye Drops if Recommended
If recommended by your surgeon, use lubricating eye drops to alleviate dryness and irritation. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses as well.
10. Avoid Strenuous Activities
Refrain from heavy lifting, bending, or vigorous exercise for at least a few weeks.
11. Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
Wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays and wind.
12. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Refrain from smoking and alcohol as they can impede the healing process.
13. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and support healing.
14. Eat a Balanced Diet
Consume a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to aid recovery. Protein is great for helping your body heal faster.
15. Follow Up with Your Surgeon Regularly
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
16. Be Patient with Swelling
Understand that bruising and swelling can take time to resolve fully. You may have residual swelling for several months.
17. Wear Comfortable, Easy-to-Put-On Clothing
Opt for loose-fitting clothes that are easy to put on and take off without straining.
18. Limit Your Salt Intake
Reduce salt in your diet to help control swelling.
19. Stay Positive and Relaxed
Keep a positive mindset and avoid stress to promote a smoother recovery. Every night, try to get a good night’s sleep to reset you for the next day.
FAQ: Blepharoplasty Surgery
Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery?
The best eyelid surgery candidate is someone who is struggling with excess skin, loose muscles, and sometimes unwanted pads of fat around the eyes. Often, blepharoplasty patients have drooping upper eyelids or sagging lower eyelids. They want to look younger and more alert and awake.
In addition to these pain points, patients should not have any serious medical conditions and be in good overall physical health. It’s best to be a non-smoker.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
Eyelid surgery cost (blepharoplasty cost) will be determined at your consultation appointment. Your plastic surgeon will need to visit with you in person so they can conduct a short physical examination and talk to you about your ultimate goals for the procedure.
What will my eyes look like during eyelid surgery recovery?
The best way to know is to look for “upper blepharoplasty recovery photos day by day” or “day by day one week lower blepharoplasty recovery photos” depending on the specific procedure you undergo.
Most patients will have some bruising, redness, swelling, and puffiness over the first few days. Bruising and redness should disappear first, followed by puffiness. Residual swelling can hang on for several months.
Will health insurance pay for eyelid surgery?
In some situations, upper eyelid surgery may be covered by health insurance. This is typically only the case when your drooping upper eyelids are causing you to have problems seeing.
Of course, coverage always depends on your personal health insurance plan and your health insurance company. So, if you have questions about insurance coverage for blepharoplasty, contact your insurance provider directly.
Set Up a Consultation with Us Today
Ready to find out more about blepharoplasty surgery and recovery? Contact us today to set up a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham. We look forward to your call.