Eyelid surgery recovery photos

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty has to be discussed in terms of upper or lower blepharoplasty and also in terms of a regular blepharoplasty or does more extensive work need to be performed.

For the most patients, the stitches of regular upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery are removed within a week and the scars hide very well so that within days of suture removal the scars would be very hard to see at conversational distance.

The healing process of all skin surgery takes approximately 6 weeks however most patients would summarize their regular eyelid surgery recovery as much faster than that. Blepharoplasty of more extensive upper eyelid surgery lags perhaps a week longer due to the swelling and the longer scar however within a week of suture removal most patients are very comfortable out in public.

Extensive lower eyelid surgery is quite a different story. The recovery time truly depends on the exact operation performed and the amount of dissection/exposure required to accomplish the surgery. Lower eyelids do swell and the patients that required lower eyelid support such has canthopexy or canthoplasty will be swollen longer and will require time for the over-correction of the corner of the eye to settle into the healed position.

Removal of lower eyelid bags frequently require more dissection to release the ligament that creates that transition line between the lower eyelid and the cheek. When this ligament is released, I call the operation a cheeklift.

Cheeklifts allow me to relieve the patient of deep lower eyelid/cheek transition lines and any excess fat bags in the lower eyelid area. In addition, the cheeklift allows me to raise and tighten both the cheek and the lower eyelid in a higher, more youthful position.

Cheeklifts do require lower eyelid support (canthopexy or canthplasty) and therefore require more extensive dissection and therefore more swelling and a longer recovery. The benefits of a cheeklift are amazing however the tradeoff is a longer recovery.

Full recovery from an extended lower eyelid blepharoplasty may take longer than 6 weeks however most patients are comfortable in public with 2- 3 weeks. (Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Depends Largely on Careful Pre and Post Operative Care

Typically, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can have a fairly rapid recovery if the proper pre and post operative instructions and precautions are followed. First, it is very important to stop any blood-thinning medications 10-14 days prior to your procedure.

This includes prescription medications, low dose aspirin regimens, and even many non-prescription supplements like vitamin E and fish oil. Consult with your surgeon for a full list of medications that should be stopped.

Also, make sure to consult with your internist or cardiologist in your pre-operative visit if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, or take any prescription blood thinners, to determine if it is medically safe for you to stop taking these medications. Post operatively, it is very important to apply ice or other cooling masks as often as possible for the first 48 hours to reduce bruising and swelling.

Eyelid surgery recovery photos of black eyes

There are even some companies that can deliver a cooling system to your home that will provide an easy to use mask to ensure easy and adequate icing in the first few days after your procedure. Whatever manner you choose to use, this step is crucial in minimizing your recovery. Also, resting and sleeping with your head elevated will help to avoid excess bruising and swelling.

Try to avoid bending, lifting, or other activities that might raise your heart rate or bring your head below your heart for the first 7-10 days, and avoid any strenuous exercise for the first two weeks after your procedure. Normally, sutures are removed 5-7 days post-operatively, at which point the area may still be mildly swollen and bruised, but typically not more than can be camouflaged with make-up.

Most patients plan a full week off work; this should be sufficient as long as you are diligent in taking adequate precautions both before and directly after your procedure. (Lawrence Bass, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Quick recovery after eyelid surgery

For a typical 4 lid blepharoplasty, down time is between 1 and 2 weeks. In our practice, at one week, all sutures are removed. At this time, typically 3/4 of the swelling is gone.

By the end of the second week 1/4 or less of the post surgical edema remains. At this time, most individuals can resume their normal daily activities, sometimes with the help of makeup for concealment. (Marcelo Ghersi, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

That is a good amount of recovery time, however since everyone’s skin is different, it is hard to give a definite. Plus, it is VERY important to follow ALL the procedures and guidelines to help ensure a swift recovery, please keep that in mind. (Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD, Fayetteville Facial Plastic Surgeon)