If you’re considering blepharoplasty, you must know more about the recovery timeline. Recovery is vital in achieving the best results, whether undergoing upper or lower blepharoplasty. While the procedure may be straightforward, knowing what to expect afterward helps you plan and manage your time and discomfort.
Let’s walk through each stage of recovery and provide some tips to support your healing journey.
Immediate Post-Surgery: 1-3 Days
After eyelid surgery, you’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. These are natural responses to the blepharoplasty procedure.
To minimize swelling, rest and keep your head elevated during these first few days. Cold compresses can also reduce bruising. Most patients report that the discomfort is manageable with cold compresses and oral over-the-counter analgesics (for most, Tylenol works well).
It’s normal for your vision to be slightly blurry for the first few days. Dr. Ioannis Glavas may recommend lubricating eye drops. While the recovery from lower and upper blepharoplasty varies slightly, both typically result in visible bruising and swelling during this early stage.
First Week: 4-7 Days
The swelling and bruising will subside as you progress through the first week. You may experience itching of the skin on the eyelids. Warm compresses help reduce itching and swelling. By the end of this period, you’ll notice significant improvements in your appearance. Most patients can return to work or light activities within seven to 10 days, depending on their comfort level and the extent of the surgery.
Some patients take the Arnica-Bromelan Complex available at the Glavas Center to further reduce recovery time.
A skilled blepharoplasty surgeon like Dr. Glavas of Glavas Center will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your healing within the first week to ten days. It is also when the sutures are typically removed, usually between seven to ten days after surgery.
During this time, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities that could strain the eyes, including heavy lifting or bending over. You’ll also want to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light and wind.
Weeks 2-3: Subtle Changes
Most swelling and bruising will have disappeared by the second and third weeks. However, some residual swelling, particularly in the mornings, is still common. You may still feel tightness around the eyes, and the skin may feel numb, but this should gradually improve.
Though still slightly pink, the incision lines will begin to fade during this period.
It’s also important to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can irritate the healing tissues. Makeup can usually be applied after two weeks, which can help conceal any lingering signs of surgery.
Weeks 4-6: Final Healing Stages
By the one-month mark, your recovery should be nearing completion. Most patients find they look and feel like themselves again. Your lower and upper blepharoplasty results will become more apparent, and any minor swelling should be nearly gone. The incision lines continue to fade and become less noticeable.
At this point, you can return to your regular exercise routine, although you still need to follow your surgeon’s guidance. Wearing sunscreen around your eyes is vital to protecting the delicate skin as it continues to heal.
Long-Term Results
While you’ll see significant improvements in the first month, it can take several months for the final results of your blepharoplasty procedure to be fully visible. The delicate tissues around the eyes heal gradually, and the incision lines will continue to fade over the next 6-12 months.
Once healed, most patients enjoy the results of their blepharoplasty for many years, with smoother, rejuvenated eyelids. You can expect the same results if you get your upper or lower blepharoplasty in a Boston practice with a trusted reputation like the Glavas Center.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
We highly recommend these tips to prevent complications and ensure a more comfortable healing process for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Use cold compresses in the first 48 hours to minimize bruising.
- Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
- Follow your blepharoplasty surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely.
- Protect your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Be patient — healing takes time, and the final results are worth the wait.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to learn more about blepharoplasty in Boston and how it can rejuvenate your appearance? At Glavas Center, Dr. Ioannis Glavas specializes in upper and lower blepharoplasty, offering personalized treatment plans to meet your needs. Explore your options by scheduling a blepharoplasty consultation with Dr. Glavas today.