What Does Recovery After Blepharoplasty Look Like?
If you’re experiencing droopy eyelids or baggy under-eyes, it may be time to take action to achieve younger, rejuvenated-looking eyes. Blepharoplasfy surgery can help turn back the hands of time and significantly improve the appearance and function of your eyelids.
What Is Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Blepharoplasty (also referred to as an eyelid lift) is a type of eyelid surgery for removing excess skin on the eyelids.
The skin around the eyelids is very sensitive. As you age, the skin stretches, and the supporting muscles weaken considerably. This causes excess skin and fat around the eyes, resulting in droopy eyelids and puffy bags under the eyes.
Aside from the cosmetic need to get an eyelid lift, it may also be necessary to improve vision. When eyelids are particularly saggy, they can negatively affect your peripheral vision.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper, lower, or both eyelids, depending on your needs and aesthetic goals. Both men and women can benefit from blepharoplasty surgery. After blepharoplasty, you’ll enjoy younger, more alert eyes for years to come, as the results are long-lasting.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Prior to your surgery, you can opt for local anesthesia with either oral or IV sedation — whatever is most comfortable for you.
During an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, an incision is made along the natural fold of the eyelid, allowing for the removal of skin and fat. Lower blepharoplasty requires an incision along the lower lashes to remove excess skin and fat.
After your procedure is done, you’ll go into recovery before you’re released to go home and begin the healing process.
Recovery After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Once your surgery is complete, recovery starts. Recovery after blepharoplasty is not difficult, as patients can usually return to normal life soon after surgery. Immediately after surgery, it’s common to experience any of the following:
Watery eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Numb eyelids
Swelling
Bruising
It is important to note these are all temporary and will improve in the days after your surgery. To promote healing, you can do the following as recommended:
Place ice packs on the eye area
Use eye drops and ointments
Sleep with your head raised to reduce swelling
Wear dark sunglasses if going outside
Patients usually do not experience pain after surgery, only slight discomfort. While some patients take a few days after surgery off from work and activities, some patients who work desk jobs feel comfortable returning to work a day or two after their procedure.
Exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided for a week after eyelid surgery. Patients are able to return to their normal exercise routines within two or three weeks after their blepharoplasty. Once stitches around the eyes are removed, patients can resume wearing makeup.
The Results of Blepharoplasty Are Worth the Recovery Process
The results of blepharoplasty speak for themselves. Recovery is not as uncomfortable as you may believe, allowing you to enjoy your results and benefits just weeks after your surgery. Experience younger-looking eyes and better vision with blepharoplasty.
