Social Downtime After Blepharoplasty?

If I was to have blepharoplasty done on both eyes, how long would I have to be out of work, and would my skin be black and blue? Thank you

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

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Blepharoplasty Recovery Time

Great question. It depends on whether you're doing just upper lids or considering either lower lids alone or upper and lower lid together. Upper lid surgery typically has a quicker recover than any surgery involving the lower lids. In our San Francisco area practice we explain to patients that upper lid blephs are usually done as outpatient surgery meaning patients go home the same day. The first 24 hours cool compresses and head elevation help reduce swelling. Typically some pain... more

Blepharoplasty requires 5-7 days off of work

I tell my patients not to plan any big social events (weddings, reunions, etc.) for 2 weeks after eyelid surgery. Most patients can go back to work within 5-7 days depending on the type of work. Sutures will be removed around day 5 and most of the bruising and swelling will be resolved by day 7. Each patient is different and these times may vary by a day or two either way. Not taking any medications that can cause bleeding, head elevation, cool compresses and taking it easy can help you... more

Take a week off

I recommend surgery on a thursday or friday and take the following week off. If the amount of work is small, fat removal only, than half a week should be enough. However, if you need extensive work a full week off will be necessary so people don't know you had the surgery. There should be swelling but very minimal bruising. All surgeons who perform eyelid surgery know how important hemostais is. The complications of bleeing can be disasterous. Since bruising is due to bleeding most... more

The downtime after Blepharoplasty is relative

In my experience, this is not a question that is answered by the doctor but rather, by the patient, their mindset, and social/work condition. IF your family and coleagues are in the loop AND you are not doing heavy physical labor you can go back in 36 to 48 hours. Sunglasses and some makeup are your post op regimen.

Need time to be at your best

Most patients are grocery store ready in one week, socially ready in three weeks and photography ready in 3 months. So if there is a special event that you have planned give it some time to be at your best.

Downtime After a Blepharoplasty

The recovery time for a blepharoplasty varies from patient to patient and depends a great deal on you, since everyone heals differently. The most significant swelling and bruising occur in the first few days and then subside fairly rapidly. Typically, patients take off from work anywhere from 3 days to 1 week if they are not concerned about people knowing that they had surgery. Others wait until 10 days to 2 weeks following surgery to return to work. Healing will continue and swelling... more

Downtime After Blepharoplasty

Usually the downtime is 7-10 days, but it may be longer depending on how one bruises and the type of blepharoplasty you have.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD

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Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Blepharoplasty healing time

I tell patients that there is a bell curve. Some patients are "back to normal" within days, others take 3-4 weeks. However most patients are back to normal for social events by two weeks. After 1 week patients can use coverup but if it was my mom and she was planning for a major social event, I would say three weeks.

Two weeks after is a safe time period for social events

Patients typically have bruising and swelling for upwards of two weeks after a blepharoplasty. Makeup can be applied one week after the surgery, however, two weeks is a safer time period for a social event.

Will depend on bruising and ability to wear sunglasses

On average, about 7-10 days can be expected due to bruising. Shopping with sunglasses on, three days; Dinner engagements, 10-14 days. All this will vary with age and inherent tendency to bruise more or less.