Strategies to Ease Your Blepharoplasty Recovery

Eyelid ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, is usually not harmful. It can, however, affect your appearance and your ability to see well. Blepharoplasty is a common procedure performed to rejuvenate the eyes and restore optimal function by lifting saggy tissue out of the field of vision. Many people undergo upper blepharoplasty each year. Many more want to but don’t because they are unsure about the recovery process and risk of complications. Here, we discuss the common side effects of blepharoplasty and how to ease through recovery with specific strategies.

After Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. Patients return home the day of their surgery to begin their 2 to 4-week recovery. After the first week, stitches are removed. Immediately after surgery and for a few weeks thereafter, patients can expect side effects such as:

• Bruising
• Redness
• Swelling
• Light sensitivity
• Excess tearing

Swelling and bruising may persist beyond the first two weeks. This is usually mild and does not prevent patients from resuming normal activities.

In addition to side effects, there are risks that upper blepharoplasty may turn out poorly, with asymmetry or eyelids that are either partially opened or partially closed. Tissue numbness may linger, and double-vision may occur (this is temporary). These are more unusual, but patients should be aware of the potential risks. Choosing an experienced oculoplastic surgeon is one way to significantly improve the outcome of surgery.

Reducing Side Effects and Risks of Blepharoplasty

• We cannot stress this enough. The week after blepharoplasty, patients are encouraged to sleep as much as their body needs and to spend their waking hours resting. This is critical to healing.
• Avoid physical exertion. Any exertion on the body for the first 2 weeks of recovery can impede healing. Patients should not run, jump, lift, bounce, or bend.
• Avoid dryness. The eyes may feel dry and irritated after blepharoplasty. This could be exacerbated by smoking, wearing contacts, using a computer, reading, drinking alcohol, and watching television. These activities should be avoided or kept to a minimum. Using eye drops as directed is a much better alternative.
• Prevent irritation. Wearing sunglasses keeps the eyes protected from wind and sun. This can also help manage the light-sensitivity that often occurs after eyelid surgery. Go ahead! Wear those sunglasses inside!

Learn more about blepharoplasty. Schedule a consultation in our St. Louis office at 314-567-3567.