Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
According to a study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, pain tends to peak around 4.4 hours after surgery. Likewise, swelling peaks at 17 hours, blurred vision at 8.7 hours, and bruising at 33.6 hours. The pain is typically mild to moderate and can last for up to seven days.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
All surgery has risks, including reaction to anesthesia and blood clots. Besides those, rare risks of eyelid surgery include: Infection and bleeding. Dry, irritated eyes.
To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area, while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure.
Your eyes may look swollen and bruised after your surgery. The eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will get better during the day as you sit or walk around. You may also have swelling on your cheeks and jawline. This will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
If vision is not affected, surgery can wait until age 3 to 4 when the child has grown a little bigger. In severe cases, surgery is needed right away to prevent "lazy eye" (amblyopia).
People who get eyelid surgery are usually in their mid-30s at least. This is because the aging process visibly affects the eyelids in most people by this time. However, if you are at least 18 years old and concerned about the appearance of your eyelids, this procedure may be right for you.
Winter is often the best season for eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Below you will find why it's the most helpful time in regard to your recovery and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the procedure.
Sleep in a correct position
After blepharoplasty, we recommend that you sleep on your back with your head elevated for at least 3-4 weeks. This helps reduce eyelid swelling and speeds up recovery.
Walking is one of the best form of exercise after eyelid surgery. Walking in the initial phases of recovery can promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and lead to a smoother recovery. It will give you a surge of energy as well. Initially, walk at a very slow pace and take breaks as needed.
Among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year in the United States, most doctors consider it to be safe. But there are risks. Patients often have temporary side effects including bruising and swelling. Less commonly, they may have complications such as impaired eyelid function or loss of vision.
The short answer is yes – you may not look the best right away, but you will be able to see, but swelling will vary from patient to patient.
An adult should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort.
I counsel patients before eyelid surgery that 5-10% of droopy eyelid surgeries fail. This is usually due to excessive swelling after surgery, post-operative bleeding, poor tissue strength and asymmetries that the surgery can't address.
Most individuals will have swelling and some degree of bruising that will gradually improve over the first 1 to 3 weeks. Patient healing, however, is variable with some individuals healing much quicker than others. Near complete tissue healing usually occurs by 4 months.
These surgeries can be done on one or both of your eyes. Surgery for ptosis lifts droopy upper eyelids. Ptosis (say "TOH-sus") is the name for eyelids that droop. The eyelid muscles or tendons do not work as they should.
Eyelid surgery is among the least painful cosmetic procedures. Aside from minimal discomfort on the day, you'll have a quick recovery and see the results swiftly. So the procedure isn't very painful, but you may have other questions.
While results do vary, you should expect to see brighter, tighter, and more open eyes after cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The results can be subtle but impactful. You should look natural, yet more alert and rested, more youthful, and more vibrant.
Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports. Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks. Read or watch television after 2-3 days. Return to work in 10-14 days.
Patient's are usually a little nervous about discomfort with suture removal, however, most are surprised how painless it is. I wouldn't worry as there is minimal to zero pain associated with this procedure.
For three to four weeks after blepharoplasty, you should avoid lifting, bending and crying, to avoid irritation to your eyes. You should also not exercise or play sport during this time, as this increases blood flow to the area which can impede the healing process.