Typical recovery after eyelid surgery, otherwise known as blepharoplasty, is usually very rapid and not too difficult.
The lower eyelids often swell and bruise more than the upper eyelids so your recovery time will be longer if both upper and lower eyelids are corrected.
Most patients have their sutures removed within the first week and return to a non-strenuous work environment by 7-10 days. Any bruising or swelling can often be covered with makeup.
I usually suggest at least a month recovery prior to a large event such as a wedding or high school reunion so you can look your best. (Andrew Goldberg, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
Sutures are generally removed after five to seven days; and, there may be some bruising that will last between two and three weeks.
There is really no way of getting around the bruising aside from wearing dark sunglasses, and when your plastic surgeon advises, makeup concealer for additional camouflage. In regard to swelling, the upper lids tend to recovery very quickly.
I would be confident you could go back to work in two weeks. The lower lids, however, usually take a little more time at about three weeks. (Glynn Bolitho, PhD, MD, FACS, )
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty recovery
There is no straightforward answer to this question because there are so many variables determining recovery time. In general, two weeks is long enough that most people will not notice any residual swelling or bruising the may have. Incisions will still be visible on close inspection.
Keeping your head elevated and using cool compresses over the first 2 to 3 days following your surgery will minimize both swelling and bruising. (Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery time after upper eyelid surgery
Completely recovery after any operation including eyelids takes several weeks. However, in my practice I have all the sutures out by 5-7 days and allow make up in these areas even over the incision within a couple of more days.
This allows most patients to return to most jobs by 2 weeks. Final healing and appearence will take a bit longer. (Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon)
Recovery from eyelid surgery
The recovery time needed can be variable based on the exact procedure needed. I would not rush to surgery if you are limited on time as no one can realistically guarantee your healing time. It is better to do this when you are not under such pressure. (Guy Massry, MD, Phoenix Plastic Surgeon)
Immediately after the surgery, blurry and double vision can be experienced due the numbing effects of Novocaine on the eyes. This will resolve as the local anesthetic wears off in the next 12 hours. You should have a driver to bring you home.
After this, swelling and bruising can be experienced. The swelling can be impressive to look at but generally does not hurt. A few drops of fluid the color of cherry cool-aid may drip from the edges.
This is normal. The majority of the swelling and bruising is gone in two weeks. All of the swelling is gone in two months in the vast majority of patients. Sutures are removed in 3-5 days. I use Vaseline on the wound edges.
I have used every other type of ophthalmic ointment and had a bad reaction by at least one patient to everything except Vaseline. Your scars will be maximally pink at 6 weeks.
Optimal scar care will allow the scars to fade to nearly imperceptible at 9-12 months. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery. (Jason Mussman, MD, Fairfax Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after blepharoplasty
It depends on several factors. For upper blepharoplasty procedure, sutures are removed in 3-4 days and make-up can be used by day 7. Most patients can go back to work at that time. However, heavy work outs and activities should be avoided for another week.
For lower blepharoplasty, sutures are removed in 3-4 days but your vision may be blurred up to 10 days (transconjun incision where incision is made inside your eyelid). There are many things you can do before and after surgery to help with healing and recovery. For instance, start taking arnica and vitamin C few days before surgery. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and NSAIDS at least 10 days before the procedure. After the procedure, try to sleep elevated and avoid lifting, pushing, and pulling. (Kyle S. Choe, MD, Virginia Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon)