What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
The recovery process for eyelid surgery ultimately depends on the specific type of surgery performed and each individual’s unique response to the treatment; however, there are some general details of the recovery process that you can expect while healing from the surgery.
In cases of upper eyelid surgery, it’s best to plan for about five to seven days away from work or other normal daily activities. There will be some swelling and bruising in the treatment areas, which should gradually fade over the following two weeks. You should also expect some “visual downtime.” This means that you may not be able to drive for several days after surgery. In about two to three weeks, you should be able to wear makeup in the area and utilize contact lenses.
If you are undergoing lower eyelid surgery, about 14 days off work is typically necessary, depending on the surgical technique that is utilized (the transconjunctival eyelid surgery approach often makes the recovery process quicker). There will also be a “visual downtime” component to your recovery in which you will experience blurry vision for a while after surgery. This is usually about two weeks, but it can last up to six weeks for some individuals. Swelling and bruising in the treatment areas should be present for about three to four weeks, fading gradually over this period.
Our practice will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including tips on how to care for the incisions and how to prevent complications from dry eye symptoms. For individuals who currently suffer from severe dry eyes, it’s important to understand that eyelid surgery can make dryness worse, temporarily or even permanently. In these cases, Dr. Jess Prischmann can talk with you about other cosmetic enhancement options that may be more ideal for your needs.
For patients who have both upper and lower eyelid surgery, the recovery time will likely be longer. During the initial consultation, our board-certified facial plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed information about what to expect.
We are happy to answer any further questions you may have about recovery from eyelid surgery. Please feel free to contact us today for more information, or to schedule a consultation.