Do you feel like your eyelids are too droopy? Maybe you have fatty pockets or bagginess beneath your lower lids? If so, you may be considering eyelid surgery, often called an eye lift.
The medical term for eyelid surgery is blepharoplasty (blef-er-uh-plas-tee). Its purpose is to remove fat, saggy tissue, wrinkles or folds in the eye area or sometimes to repair damage or injuries to the eyelid. Blepharoplasty can be done only on the upper lids, just on the lower lids, or on both upper and lower lids at the same time.
What to Expect During Recovery After Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Eyelid surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and recovery is usually short and relatively simple. While certain milestones in recovery are shared in the majority of patients who have blepharoplasty, it’s important to note that recovery after eyelid surgery progresses differently from person to person.
The length and extent of the recovery period is largely dependent on your overall health status, your tolerance for pain or discomfort and which type of eyelid surgery was performed. Blepharoplasty performed on upper and lower eyelids will naturally take a somewhat longer recovery period than surgery done on only the upper or lower eyelids.
Tips for a Quick, Smooth Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
- You’ll be given specific post-procedure instructions by your surgeon. It’s crucially important to follow them to the letter.
- Equally important is to be sure to attend any follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor.
- It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of recovery time at home. You may want to plan for being out of work for three to five days.
- Let your support system help you. You’ll need someone to drive you home after the surgery. Friends, family and neighbors will want to help out with the kids, errands, household chores and meals. Let them.
- Protecting your eyes while they heal is important – wear sunglasses if you go out during the day and an eye mask to protect your eyes while you sleep.
- Avoid eyestrain – limit reading and time spent watching phone, computer or TV screens. Don’t spend an overly long time in sunlight or well-lit rooms.
- Don’t wear contacts or make-up until your doctor says you can. You can usually wear glasses without a problem.
- It’s best to put exercise on hold while your body heals. After a week or two, you should be able to resume your regular exercise routine.
- You may find it helps to minimize swelling if you sleep with the head of your bed elevated, or use several pillows to prop up your head, at least for the first week.
- Ice packs or cold compresses can also help with swelling or bruising.
- Only take medications your doctor has allowed, and avoid alcohol and smoking cigarettes.
- Your eyes need to be kept clean, moist and free of debris. If your eyes get dry and itchy, ask your doctor about appropriate eye drops you can use to help keep them moist. It’s best not to rub them.
- Stay hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of water through the day.
- Your meals should be light and consist of good, healthy foods.
- Get lots of rest throughout the day and a good night’s sleep.
Having eyelid surgery can make a huge difference in the way you look, and in some cases, even if the way you see. Following these tips after your blepharoplasty can make an equally huge difference in how quickly and easily you sail through your recovery.
