Eye Lift Recovery

Blepharoplasty is surgery performed on the upper or lower eyelids. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says that blepharoplasty can greatly rejuvenate your appearance, making you look more alert and energized.

Recovery from eyelid surgery depends upon an individual's skin type and healing ability and the type and number of procedures performed. Your recovery from eyelid surgery also depends on how well you follow your doctor's instructions.

Types of Eyelid Surgery

• Surgery can remove fat beneath the eyes and lift sagging upper eyelids

  The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) describes blepharoplasty as the surgical removal of excess fat and skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

  Upper eyelid surgery may include some restructuring and eyebrows may be lifted at the same time through a variety of methods.

  One type of lower eyelid surgery entails an incision on the inside of the eyelid and the use of dissolving sutures. This results in less scarring and swelling and is used when only fat, and not skin, needs removing.

  Laser surgery is another technique used for blepharoplasty and involves less bleeding and pain and a faster recovery.

Immediately After Surgery

• Bruising and swelling are common after surgery. Cold compresses can relieve swelling. Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Frank Meronk says that swelling usually dissipates over the ten days following surgery and bruising fades within two weeks.

  Irritation and redness at the incision sites is also common, as is a small amount of bloody discharge from the wound says Dr. Meronk.

Medication

• Dr. Meronk reports that the mild aching and burning you may encounter after eyelid surgery can be treated with Tylenol. The ASPS reports that aspirin products such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of bleeding before and after surgery and should be avoided.

  You may be given an antibiotic ointment to apply to the incision sites twice a day.

  It is also common for swelling to prevent the eyelids from fully closing in the weeks following surgery. Tear drops can help lubricate the eyes, says Dr. Meronk, and lubricating ointments can be placed directly on the eye before bed.

Stitches

• Normal activity can be resumed within two days of surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for two to three weeks advises Dr. Meronk. This gives the incisions time to heal.

  Stitches are usually removed several days after surgery says UIC, and the tiny scars they leave will hardly be visible by two months.

  After the stitches are removed, Dr. Meronk says that warm compresses should be used for three or four more days.

  Improvements are apparent within weeks after surgery, says ASPS, but the full effect may not be evident for a year.

Sunlight

• An important part of your recovery from eyelid surgery includes protection from sunlight, says ASPS. Sunscreen and sunglasses protect the delicate skin of your eyes during the healing process. Life-long UV protection will protect the results of your surgery and slow the aging process.