Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that can give your eyes a fresh, more youthful look. If you’re tired of dealing with drooping or sagging skin, puffiness, or wrinkles around your eyes, this might be the perfect solution for you.
But before you jump in, it’s important to understand what the procedure is all about and what to expect during the recovery period. Here is a quick Blepharoplasty 101 to help get you up to speed.
Your Consultation
During your consultation with a plastic surgeon, they’ll take a look at your eyes and discuss your concerns and goals. They’ll also explain the different types of blepharoplasties, including upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or the combination of both. Upper eyelid surgery addresses excess skin and fat in the upper eyelids, while lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness, bags, and wrinkles in the lower eyelids. Depending on your needs and goals, you may have one or both procedures done.
Blepharoplasty Procedure Steps
The blepharoplasty procedure can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery, but the following is a general step-by-step guide of what to expect during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but general anesthesia can also be used. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation.
- Incision: The surgeon will make incisions in the eyelids’ natural creases to minimize scarring. In upper eyelid surgery, the incision will be made in the crease of the upper eyelid, and for lower eyelid surgery, the incision will be made just below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid in a procedure known as transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty.
- Removal or Repositioning of Tissue: The surgeon will then remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and muscle in whichever area of the eyelid is being treated.
- Closing the Incision: The surgeon will then close the incision with sutures.
- Recovery: After the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery room to be monitored. Cold compresses will be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling and the patient will be instructed to keep the head elevated while resting.
It’s worth noting that the procedure may vary depending on the individual case, the extent of the surgery, and the surgeon’s preference. It’s important to discuss with your surgeon the specific details of the procedure and the recovery process before the surgery.
After the procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes, which is totally normal. You’ll probably be given a cold compress to apply to your eyes and instructed to keep your head elevated. And don’t worry, any pain or discomfort can be managed with medication — most patients described the pain from the procedure as mild.
30-Day Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline for blepharoplasty can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. However, the following is a general timeline of what to expect during the recovery period:
- Day 1-2: Immediately after the procedure, patients can expect swelling and bruising around the eyes. The surgeon may place a cold compress on the eyes to reduce swelling and recommend elevating the head while resting to minimize swelling.
- Day 3-7: The swelling and bruising will begin to subside during this time. Pain and discomfort can be managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and keep their head elevated to minimize swelling.
- Day 7-14: Most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided by this time. The surgeon may remove any sutures used to close the incision. Patients may begin to return to normal everyday activities, but should continue to avoid exercise and anything that may cause excessive swelling or bleeding.
- Day 14-30: Most patients will have fully recovered by this time, with any remaining swelling or bruising being minimal. The surgeon may recommend using sunscreen to protect the incision area from sun exposure.
- After 30 days: The final result of the blepharoplasty will be visible after about a month. It is important to protect the incision area from sun exposure and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prolong the results.
It’s worth noting that recovery times can vary from person to person, and some people may experience a longer recovery period. It’s important to follow the instructions given by the surgeon and to contact them if any concerns arise.
Preparing Your Home for Recovery
Preparing your home for blepharoplasty recovery is important to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery process. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your home for blepharoplasty recovery:
Set up a comfortable recovery area: This should be a quiet, well-lit room with comfortable seating and a place to rest your head. Make sure you have plenty of pillows to prop yourself up and a footstool to elevate your feet. This will help reduce swelling and discomfort in the first few days after surgery.
Stock up on essentials: Before your surgery, make sure you have everything you need to take care of yourself during your recovery. This includes over-the-counter pain medication, cold compresses, and any prescription medications your surgeon has prescribed. You should also have plenty of clean towels, tissues, and a thermometer on hand.
Prepare your meals in advance: You may not feel like cooking or preparing meals during your recovery, so it’s a good idea to have some easy-to-heat meals and snacks on hand. This can include pre-made soups, frozen dinners, and healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.
Make your home easily accessible: You may have difficulty moving around in the first few days after surgery, so it’s important to make your home as accessible as possible. This includes removing any tripping hazards and keeping frequently used items within easy reach.
Arrange for help: It’s important to have someone around to help you with tasks during your recovery. This could be a family member or friend. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on what you can and cannot do during your recovery, so it’s important to have someone around to help you follow these instructions.
Plan for your transportation: You will not be able to drive immediately after surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you to your post-op appointment and other appointments you may have during your recovery.
Plan for your visual limitations: You will not be able to read or watch TV for a few days and may have blurry vision. You may want to have audiobooks, music, and other audio entertainment on hand to pass the time.
By following these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery from blepharoplasty. It’s important to listen to your surgeon’s instructions and follow their advice closely to minimize any complications and speed up your recovery.
Want to Learn More About Blepharoplasty?
If you’re thinking about it, it’s a good idea to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if the procedure is right for you. Give our office a call at (314) 878-8600 to schedule a consultation or fill out our online contact form here. We are looking forward to being your trusted partner throughout this process.
