How Long Does It Take to Recover from Eyelid Surgery?

Posted on November 20, 2023 in Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a popular cosmetic procedure for our San Francisco patients. Dr. Ransom specializes in eyelid surgery and has received extensive training focusing on head and neck plastic and reconstructive surgery. When preparing for a surgical procedure, it is helpful to have a thorough understanding of the procedure and how to care for yourself during the recovery process. Here is what patients can expect.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is used to improve the look of droopy lids, excess skin, puffy under-eyes, and under-eye hollows. These features give the eyes a tired or aged appearance that is bothersome for patients of all ages. Eyelid surgery can be performed separately on the upper or lower eyelids or as a combination procedure treating the entire eye area. During an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Ransom will carefully trim away excess or sagging skin and remove excess fat contributing to eyelid sagging. This not only gives the eyes a more open, refreshed look but also improves eyesight since heavy skin is no longer weighing the eyelids down and blocking the field of vision.

Lower blepharoplasty can also address sagging skin or other concerns such as heavy fat bags, sunken under-eyes, and hollowness that creates a “double contour” between the under-eyes and cheeks. The final result is a smooth, natural contour between the eyes and midface area. The eyes will also look brighter and patients find that their overall appearance is rejuvenated.

What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After an eyelid surgery, patients should expect to rest and recover at home for 1-2 weeks. Most swelling and bruising will improve after the first week, but it can take up to three months for the final results to develop. During the first few weeks of recovery, these are a few ways that patients can best care for themselves to ensure the best possible results:

Activity

Strenuous activity should be avoided for about two weeks, or until patients are given clearance by Dr. Ransom. This includes physical exercises like running, biking, and weight lifting, as well as activities like bending from the waist. Bending down, and other physical activity, increases blood flow to the face which could worsen swelling and delay recovery time. Sleeping with your head propped up, using cold compresses, and taking anti-inflammatory medication can reduce swelling and discomfort.

To protect your eyes and the healing incisions, patients should also avoid eye creams and makeup for about 1-2 weeks. Patients can shower the day after surgery, but be careful not to get shampoo, water, or soap on the eyes, especially for the first week. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for about two weeks. Gardening, dusting, and swimming should also be avoided during this time to prevent bacteria from being introduced into the eyes.

Medications

After eyelid surgery, most patients can alleviate their discomfort with over-the-counter medications alone. However, Dr. Ransom may prescribe pain medications as well as prescription eye drops and antibiotics. Make sure to use these medications as prescribed. Dr. Ransom will also inform patients about when they can start taking other medications (blood thinners, aspirin, etc.) that were stopped before surgery.

Incision Care

After surgery, the incisions will be closed with sutures, and the eyelids may be bandaged. Keep the bandages and incisions clean and dry to prevent an infection. Dr. Ransom will also provide detailed instructions during your surgical consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Ransom is a double board-certified surgeon with certifications in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. As a leading provider of blepharoplasty in San Francisco, patients can trust in a smooth surgical and recovery process, ending in exceptional results. Schedule your consultation today by calling our San Francisco or Mill Valley office or filling out an online contact form.