In any cosmetic surgery or other procedure, apart from the obvious focus on the final outcome, a major concern for many people is the recovery process and the overall healing time. This concern is particularly heightened when it comes to procedures like blepharoplasty, given the prominent role our eyes play in our facial appearance. If you are considering undergoing this procedure or are scheduled to have it soon, understanding the recovery process is crucial to achieving the best possible results. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect after blepharoplasty and how to speed up your recovery by implementing the right strategies!
What exactly is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedure aimed at rejuvenating tired-looking eyes, addressing signs of aging, and dramatically brightening the gaze. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both simultaneously, depending on the patient’s needs and the plastic surgeon’s assessment. For the upper eyelids, the procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the area to “open up” the gaze, making it appear more refreshed. Lower blepharoplasty, on the other hand, focuses on eliminating those bothersome under-eye bags and addressing skin laxity in the area.
Blepharoplasty and recovery in the first postoperative days
Let’s start from the beginning—the day of the surgery. Once your blepharoplasty is complete, you can return home, as the procedure is often performed under local anesthesia. It’s important to have someone accompany you home and assist you for at least the first 24 hours. During this phase, try to rest as much as possible and avoid any physical strain. The day after the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, which, due to gravity, can shift from the upper eyelids down to the cheeks and will soon be naturally absorbed by your body. To reduce swelling, you can carefully apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area and keep your head elevated during the first 24 hours. Additionally, avoid sleeping on your side to prevent your eyelids from coming into contact with the pillow.
First postoperative week
By the end of the first week, you will begin to notice that the swelling and bruising are subsiding. You will need to visit your plastic surgeon again to have the stitches removed. Although there may still be a sensation of tightness and mild discomfort, you will start to feel more comfortable. It is also very important not to rub your eyes. After 7-10 days, any mild swelling will have significantly reduced, and it will hardly be noticeable.
1 month after the surgery
At this stage, the final results of the procedure are now visible. You can start applying makeup and resume your daily activities as usual. The incision lines have faded to the point of being virtually invisible. Generally, the incisions are carefully concealed within the natural folds of the upper eyelid or along the lash line, making them unnoticeable even during the early stages of recovery. Ultimately, you’ll find that your decision to undergo blepharoplasty was one of the best choices you’ve made!
The 8 best tips after blepharoplasty to speed up recovery
- Sleep with extra pillows to keep your head elevated. This helps reduce blood flow to the eye area and minimizes puffiness.
- Make sure to drink enough water to flush toxins from the body and speed up the healing process.
- Place cold compresses on the affected area for the first 24 hours.
- In the first 24 hours, avoid eye strain, as watching too much TV or using a mobile phone continuously can tire the eyes and delay recovery.
- Take your prescribed medications (antibiotics or pain relievers) consistently and as directed to reduce the risk of infection and manage discomfort.
- Avoid the gym for 1 week.
- Wear sunglasses when you go outside to protect your recent incision from sun exposure and pollutants.
- Emphasize eating nutritious meals.
By obtaining detailed information about blepharoplasty and the recovery process that follows, you can know what to expect and avoid unnecessary panic, anxiety, or other concerns. By following these tips and maintaining realistic expectations, you can navigate your recovery journey with confidence and ease. Remember, your youthful and refreshed look is just a few weeks away, says Plastic Surgeon in Athens Dr. Maria Skolarikou!
