.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Care
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty?
Undergoing blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, involves several crucial steps for successful recovery. Post-surgery, some discomfort and swelling around your upper eyelids are normal. These symptoms, including temporary pain and the eye appearing slightly smaller, are the body's natural responses. Ptosis, or eyelid drooping, might also be a post-operative concern. The recovery requires meticulous attention, with regular medical follow-ups to monitor for infection or complications. Over time, however, the eyelids regain their natural shape. To minimize discomfort and accelerate healing, adhering to the surgeon's recommendations, such as using cold compresses and applying prescribed medication, is vital. With proper care, the positive results of blepharoplasty will become apparent, leaving patients satisfied with their revitalized and younger appearance.
The Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Period
Immediate Post-Operative Period
Following blepharoplasty surgery, wounds are closed with several very fine stitches, and white dressings are applied. The patient is kept under observation with ice on the eyes for about an hour, then they can leave normally.
At Home After Blepharoplasty
At home after blepharoplasty, the patient rests for the remainder of the day. It's essential to keep ice on the eyelids until evening. After a few hours, as the anesthesia wears off, the first signs of pain usually appear. These are easily managed with a low-impact oral analgesic. Pain typically subsides within a few days. Initially, sleep with at least two pillows under your head to limit swelling. To care for your face and hair, avoid wetting the stitches by following these washing tips.
Post-blepharoplasty, prophylactic antibiotic therapy is important, starting the next day as prescribed by your doctor. Keep your eyes lubricated by applying eye drops or artificial tears to the conjunctiva several times a day. Sunglasses are recommended to protect your eyes from bright light and dust. On the second day, many normal daily activities, such as driving or office work, can usually be resumed.
GET A QUOTE
Need more information?
Votre santé, notre priorité.
Demandez votre devis gratuit
4 Days Post-Blepharoplasty
On the fourth post-operative day, the first dressing is removed, and the stitches are taken out. Eyelids heal remarkably well. The low tension on the wounds allows for early stitch removal. Typically, at this stage, wounds are already barely visible and only slightly reddened. There may still be some small bruises resolving, rarely more pronounced bruising. From this point, the face can be easily washed with mild soap, and showering is permitted.
Generally, from the 3rd or 4th day, pain completely ceases and is gradually replaced by itching. Itching is sometimes slightly uncomfortable but is a normal sign of good healing. Absolutely avoid scratching!
15 Days Post-Blepharoplasty
A few weeks post-blepharoplasty, the first checkup is performed. Wounds are perfectly healed and practically invisible. There is usually very slight swelling, which quickly disappears. From this point, massages with specific creams can be helpful. These creams target scar tissue along the upper eyelid incision and at the ends of both incisions (upper and lower) in the lateral part of the eye.
3 Weeks Post-Blepharoplasty
Three weeks after blepharoplasty surgery, you can resume all other activities, including sports. Applying a protective cream against UVA rays along the scars is advised for the first two months after surgery.
Is the Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Period Painful?
As this is a surgical procedure, the post-operative period is somewhat uncomfortable, particularly around the eyes and face. After the procedure, patients experience mild visual discomfort. Eye patches may sometimes be helpful, although in most cases, patients don't need their eyes bandaged.
During the first week post-surgery, eye drops and antibiotics are recommended to promote scar healing and prevent infection. Initially, especially after upper eyelid blepharoplasty, an odd sensation when closing the eye is common due to the reduced amount of skin.
However, this sensation tends to disappear within the first two days.
Possible Blepharoplasty Complications?
Blepharoplasty, like any surgery, carries risks. However, complications are rare and specific to this procedure.
Rarely, hematomas form, requiring wound opening and drainage. Infections are exceptional.
Sometimes, the lower eyelid may be pulled down due to a deep scar and persistent post-operative swelling. Often, simple massage resolves this. Surgical intervention may be needed to release and redistribute tissues.
It's important to remember that all surgical procedures have potential risks. However, these shouldn't be exaggerated and should be considered when making a decision.
A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon minimizes risks and complications and manages issues effectively.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
Bruising?
Moderate swelling and bruising are normal, although severity varies. This should subside in just 1-2 weeks for upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Upper and lower blepharoplasty takes 2-4 weeks. After this time, it's usually not noticeable that surgery recently occurred. In some patients, swelling and bruising may last longer.
Bandages aren't usually needed during blepharoplasty recovery, although dressings tend to be placed over the eyes to reduce post-procedure swelling.
Pain?
It's not a painful procedure, and recovery is relatively easy. Any post-surgical pain is typically mild and manageable with analgesics or anti-inflammatories, which will be provided post-procedure. Most patients can walk and stand normally the same evening or the day after surgery.
Can I Wash My Face After Blepharoplasty?
Post-operative washing is a common question. Specific requirements must be followed:
Days 1-2: Bathing or showering is possible. Keep your eyes dry.
For easier showering, use the showerhead and keep it above your head. Wash hair over a sink, preferably with help. Minor water splashes on the eyes are not a problem; prolonged exposure to moisture is.
Days 3-7: Gently wash eyes with soap and water. Pat dry. Avoid picking scabs—they'll fall off naturally.
Day 7: Stitches are usually removed; normal washing routines can resume.
Day 14: Makeup can be reapplied if healing is complete.
Time Off Work?
While not major surgery, time off is needed. Upper eyelid surgery patients usually return after 7-10 days. Lower eyelid surgery recovery is slightly longer (10-14 days).
Working from home is suitable after two days; computer use won't harm your eyes or affect results.
Stitch Removal?
Two types of stitches are used: dissolvable sutures using glue, requiring no removal; and stitches needing removal after 7-10 days (or longer if needed).
Permanent Scars?
Incisions always leave some scarring; severity depends on placement and surgery type. Eyelid surgery scars are minimal. Lower eyelid scars are hidden by eyelashes; upper eyelid scars are concealed in skin folds, especially with open eyes.
Scars are usually small (a few millimeters). They might be slightly more visible at the crow's feet area. Overall, scarring is minimal and among the least visible forms of facial cosmetic surgery.
Further Surgery Needed?
Aging continues, and while blepharoplasty results last many years, eyelid sagging and puffiness will eventually occur—this doesn't indicate failure. Multiple procedures might be needed for the ideal outcome.
Some seek to enhance initial results. Additional blepharoplasty, or revision blepharoplasty (repeated surgery), might improve scarring or correct eyelid positioning.
[dt_sc_button title="Free Quote" size="medium" style="bordered" icon_type="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2F127.0.0.1/tds%2Fdevis%2F" textcolor="#ffffff" bgcolor="#0c73ba"]
