Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery

By Gary Motykie, MD

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Recovery Blepharoplasty is a relatively less invasive plastic surgery. It will entail minimal risks of post-op complications as long as the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon. But the patient will need to follow certain guidelines during the recovery phase after a blepharoplasty.

The surgeon’s directions will help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery for the patient. The surgeon will inform the patient about various aspects of the eyelid surgical procedure and the recovery process during the initial consultation.

Reliable cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities and cities in this area of the country.

Recovery Phase

The surgeon will typically perform the blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure. However, exceptional cases may warrant an overnight stay at the hospital. The correct approach to the post-operative recovery phase will be established as per the surgeon’s evaluation of the patient’s unique needs. A majority of the patients will need to remain at home for almost a week after the procedure.

Most patients can resume routine activities or return to work after a week. But the complete healing of the eyelid after the plastic surgery procedure can take many weeks. If the surgeon has used traditional sutures, they will take these out after the first week. During the initial phase, the patient should provide adequate rest to the eyes. The swelling and redness will be more prominent during the first week, but will gradually subside.

The eyes can experience exertion due to watching television, reading, or working on a computer in the initial recovery phase. Patients must avoid such exertion initially as it can increase the flow of blood to the eyes and cause a delay in the recovery process. After the swelling and bruising subside, the patient will see a more youthful upper face appearance.

The eyes will appear rejuvenated and alert as the complete outcomes of the eyelid surgery set in. In case the patient had been experiencing partial obstruction of vision because of sagging upper eyelids, this condition will be resolved.

Temporary Side Effects

Swelling and redness in the area surrounding the incisions is a common side effect of the surgery. The patient may experience itching, dryness, and soreness in these regions and there may be excessive tearing in the eyes. The surgeon may prescribe a topical cream and pain medication so that the patient remains comfortable while these temporary side effects subside.

Certain patients may feel more sensitive to light or experience blurry vision. These side effects will resolve rapidly if the patient follows the surgeon’s post-op guidelines correctly.

Aftercare

During the initial 2 or 3 days post eyelid surgery, the patient can use cold compresses on the eyes. This will enable the swelling to subside. The surgeon may also prescribe eye drops to the patient in case they experience dry eyes. The patient will need to protect their eyes from wind and sun exposure during the initial few weeks after the blepharoplasty.

Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas across the horizon for eyelid surgery.

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