Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes after eyelid surgery.
While it can take up to six months for a patient to see the full and final results of an eyelid lift, the physical aspect of eyelid lift recovery typically takes no more than two to three weeks. Patients can expect minor discomfort for the first few days after surgery, but this will improve over the next week. In about five days, the stitches can be removed and most patients can return to work comfortably. Patients may be ready for exercise or other strenuous activities at any time after this period, based on their doctor’s advice. There are many things patients can do to help speed their recovery.
Surgery may be performed to remove excess tissue from the eyelids.
The first two to three days after eyelid surgery, recovery is often the most uncomfortable. The patient’s eyelids may feel tight or sore and may experience pain or a burning sensation. The eyes may also be sensitive to light and there may be some cases of blurred vision. Most can be easily relieved with pain relievers and cold compresses, and eye drops can be used to prevent the eyes from drying out. It is also recommended that patients sleep with their heads elevated during this time and focus on getting enough rest.
A scalpel is a small, sharp knife used in surgery to make incisions.
Three to five days after surgery is usually the time that stitches, if any, can be removed and swelling and bruising begin to heal. During this period, most patients prefer to concentrate on resting. If daily activities are to be resumed as soon as possible, patients should at least avoid strenuous activities, as well as anything that can dry or tire the eyes, such as using a computer, watching television, or reading.
It may take two to three weeks for the bruising and swelling to subside after eyelid surgery.
After the first week, it is generally safe for patients to apply eye makeup and go to work. Sunglasses are especially useful right now and in the coming weeks to protect your eyes from sun and wind. The eyes can also tire more easily during this time period, so while normal activities are restarting, frequent rest is still recommended.
Some people experience blurred vision after an eyelid surgery procedure.
Eventually, after two to three weeks, most, if not all, of the bruising is usually gone and the more complicated recovery period from eyelid surgery is usually over. Contacts can be used safely after this period. Avoiding activities that increase blood flow to the eyes (getting up, bending over, crying, or drinking alcohol) is still recommended, but makeup to cover bruises is usually no longer necessary. Depending on specific physician recommendations, patients may be ready for exercise or strenuous activity at any time after these first few weeks.
Eye drops can help keep your eyes from drying out after eyelid surgery.
Some patients may be dissatisfied with the recovery period due to puffy, black eyes. These patients need to understand that the recovery from eyelid surgery is actually a very simple process, in which they will see a drastic improvement in just a few weeks. The healing process after this point is much smoother. All that happens for up to six months is that the scars will fade to an almost invisible white line, and the patient’s new appearance will gradually take its final shape.