Often, as we age, the eyelids begin to sag or droop. An eyelid lift can give the face a dramatic overhaul – taking 5 to 10 years off your face without changing the structure or overall appearance. An eyelid lift removes the excess sagging skin to create a more alert and youthful eyelid appearance.
Recovery after an eyelid lift can take a few days to a few weeks. Though you will be able to see, immediately after the procedure you will need someone to drive you home. You may experience some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Expect minimal, mild discomfort during the immediate recovery period.
After surgery, you should apply cold packs, sleep on two pillows, and avoid bending over where your head is below the level of your heart. You should also avoid strenuous activity and things like reading or watching television, which can strain the eyes. If the pain is severe or any abnormal symptoms develop, call the office immediately.
*individual results may vary*
During recovery, your eye area will be bruised and possibly swollen almost shut, particularly during the first few days. You can resume wearing contact lenses when the eyelid swelling subsides enough to allow the lenses to be comfortable. If you wear eyeglasses, you can put them on carefully at any time after surgery.
Sutures are removed in 6-7 days and most patients experience a full recovery by 2-6 weeks. Most patients return to work within 2 weeks but how long it takes to recover depends on several factors, including a patient’s age, the amount of bleeding during surgery, and the care the patient takes during recovery. During this time, you should not wear eye makeup and must practice diligent sun protection, using sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.
Recovery from eyelid surgery can be intensive, but results are dramatic and can last a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more about our Blepharoplasty treatments, please fill out the form on this page or call (562) 997-1144.
