Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

Patients seek eyelid surgery to correct droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, and even sagging skin that can disrupt vision. With a good surgeon, recovery should be smooth and predictable, but many patients like to know what to anticipate in advance so they can plan and mentally prepare. This blog will discuss eyelid surgery healing stages, when to expect final results, and tips to help you optimise your recovery.

How Long Is Recovery From Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid lift surgery, or blepharoplasty, typically has two stages of recovery: an initial stage, after which patients feel comfortable returning to work and light daily activities, and full recovery, when tissues settle and swelling has fully resolved.

Initial recovery can take about 5–10 days for upper blepharoplasty, and 10–20 days for lower blepharoplasty. For both procedures, full recovery typically takes several months, with the recovery for upper blepharoplasty typically being quicker and more comfortable than that for lower blepharoplasty.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Timeline

Eyelid surgery recovery depends on the extent of surgery, whether you had an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both, and your surgeon’s technique. While every patient heals at their own pace, what follows is a general recovery timeline for eyelid surgery to help you get a sense of what to expect.

First Few Days

In the first few days, your eyes may feel tight and sore. Swelling and bruising are to be expected and can be managed with cold compresses under your surgeon’s direction. Soreness can be managed with pain medications, while dryness or itchiness can be treated with eye drops and ointments, which your surgeon will advise you upon.

During this time, it’s important to get plenty of rest and keep your head elevated. You must avoid strenuous activities, bending, leaning over, and heavy lifting.

Weeks One and Two

Most patients have a follow-up appointment during this time so your surgeon can monitor your healing progress. Sutures may be removed during this time period as well (usually at one week), if you have them.

Depending on your level of comfort and recovery progress, you may be able to resume your everyday routines and return to work within 7 to 10 days, provided you work at a desk job. After two or three weeks, many patients are cleared to resume wearing eye makeup. Always check with your surgeon before attempting to resume use of cosmetics or return to your usual routine.

One to Three Months 

By now, most patients have fully returned to almost all of their usual routines and activities. Exercise can be resumed once cleared by your surgeon.

Through this period and beyond, healing will continue to progress, often imperceptibly. Incision lines will continue to be refined and improved. Swelling typically takes the longest to resolve, largely determining the rate at which tissues settle into place. 

When Will Final Results Show?

Full, final results typically appear three to six months after surgery. This is when all swelling and bruising will have subsided, and incision lines will have matured. While many patients will notice improvement in the appearance of their eye area much sooner than the three-to-six-month mark, it can take up to a year for incision lines to refine and become less noticeable until they are almost invisible and blend into the natural eye creases.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Tips

There are several steps you can take to optimise your recovery and achieve excellent results.

1. Postoperative Instructions: Most importantly, always follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. If you are unsure about something, call your surgeon to clarify. Do not attempt to return to exercise or your regular routines unless cleared by your surgeon. Postoperative instructions are tailored to your specific surgery and your surgeon’s technique, so follow them diligently.
2. Follow-Up Visits: In the same vein, attend all follow-up visits. This is the best way for your surgeon to monitor your recovery, answer your questions, and clear you to return to various activities.
3. Limit Activity: Get plenty of rest to allow your body to heal. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, bending over, and straining until your surgeon clears you.
4. Head Elevation: For at least a few weeks or until your surgeon clears you, sleep with your head elevated to minimise swelling.
5. Protect Your Eyes: For at least a year after surgery, wear sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and wind. 
6. Rest Your Eyes: Limit reading, watching TV, and computer work for the first few days. If you must use screens or read a lot, give your eyes regular breaks (e.g. for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) from the screen or page and reduce the brightness of your screens.

By taking gentle care and following your surgeon’s instructions, you’ll be on the way to vibrant, refreshed eyes and long-lasting results.

Learn More About Eyelid Surgery in Tunbridge Wells

Eyelid surgery can transform your appearance from tired to vibrant and, in some cases, improve your vision. If you’d like to learn more about eyelid surgery and recovery, it’s best to consult with a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Ms Nora Nugent is a fully accredited plastic surgeon and a respected leader in her field. She has helped hundreds of patients achieve stunning results with eyelid surgery in the UK.

To schedule an eyelid surgery consultation with Ms Nugent in Tunbridge Wells or Harley Street in London, please call 44 (0) 1892 619248 or use our online contact form.