The recovery period after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is different for every patient. Still, there are some aspects to eyelid surgery recovery that are universal. To help his Toronto-area patients feel educated and prepared for recovery after eyelid surgery, Dr. Lawrence Tong shares some helpful information about what can be expected, as well as tips to help make recovery easier.
1. Swelling and bruising are common
It is common to experience swelling and bruising after eyelid surgery. This is a normal part of the healing process and should subside over the next week or two. Applying cold compresses to the area can help reduce swelling and bruising. Dr. Tong also recommends sleeping with your head elevated for the first week after your procedure.
It is also normal to feel some discomfort after eyelid surgery, and your eyes may feel irritated or dry. Dr. Tong will recommend eye drops to help with this, and these symptoms should resolve quickly.1
2. You’ll need to take time off from work
If you go to work performing a non-strenuous job (eg. in an office setting), Dr. Tong recommends taking approximately one week off from work after eyelid surgery. If you work from home, you can generally start working sooner, especially if you do not need to show your face on video. Dr. Tong will let you know when you are cleared to return to work, but some patients prefer to wait a bit longer until bruising and swelling are less pronounced.
3. Avoid strenuous activities and exercise
You will be instructed to refrain from any activities that may elevate your heart rate or blood pressure, such as strenuous activities and exercise. This can cause sutures to strain, and may also increase the risk of bleeding and infection. These instructions also apply to your work activities.
4. Stay out of the sun
This is a bit of an overstatement. You don’t actually need to stay inside as you heal from eyelid surgery, but you should be very careful to protect the surgical area from the sun. Exposure to sun can slow the healing process, and may also cause scarring to be more pronounced. If you plan to be in the sun for longer periods, you should wear dark glasses and sunscreen, as well as a hat.
5. Avoid wearing contact lenses
Contact lenses should be avoided for at least three weeks after eyelid surgery. This is to prevent irritation and infection in the eyes. The placement of contact lenses may also cause unwanted stretching of the incision. Dr. Tong will give you specific instructions on when it is safe to wear contact lenses again.2
6. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions
It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes taking any prescribed medication, keeping the area clean, and avoiding certain activities or behaviors that could interfere with healing. Please understand that Dr. Tong’s instructions are all designed to give you the smoothest recovery as well as the best results from your eyelid surgery.
7. Follow-up appointments are important
After cosmetic surgery, follow-up appointments are not just a formality. Your first follow-up appointment with Dr. Tong will occur roughly one week after your eyelid surgery. During this appointment, Dr. Tong will evaluate your healing, remove stitches, reiterate post-operative instructions, and give you the opportunity to ask questions. To ensure you experience the best results possible, Dr. Tong will also see you 6 weeks, and 6 months after your eyelid surgery.
One more thing…
One of the most important things to remember as you recover from eyelid surgery is to be patient! Swelling after eyelid surgery can last for several weeks. The swelling may cause distortion and asymmetry until it resolves. It is important to have realistic expectations for the healing process. You will notice the full result of your blepharoplasty one to two months after your procedure.
For more information on blepharoplasty or what you can expect during the eyelid surgery recovery period, contact Dr. Tong to schedule a consultation at his office in Toronto.
1American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What Should I Expect During My Eyelid Surgery Recovery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/recovery. Accessed April 28, 2023.
2Government of Alberta. Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect at Home. Available: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zy1659. Accessed April 28, 2023.
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