After Upper Eyelid Surgery, Will the Eyes Be Totally Covered or Can I See?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by kmcnelley in Issaquah, Washington

Doctor Answers (11)
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Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) Recovery

Thanks for asking this question. This is one of the most common questions related to this procedure. Typically eyes are not covered after blepharoplasty (eyelid) surgery. After surgery most surgeons have their patients apply cool compresses and keep their head elevated to reduce swelling. Another question commonly asked is how much pain is there after surgery. Most patients have minimal pain after this surgery and usually only require acetominophen (Tylenol(R))... more

Paul Carniol, MD

Summit Facial Plastic Surgeon

drcarniol.com

Are the eyes covered after blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient surgery with no need to cover the eyes after surgery. It is essentially painless just hours after the operation. There is bruising around the eyes that last 7-10 days but the eyes can see and one can peform routine tasks except exercising or heavy liftng for 7-10 days. Oculoplastic surgeons are specialists in performing surgery on eyelids and around the eyes.

Eyelid surgery

In most cases the eyes will only have ice packs on which can be removed at will. Swelling is usually minor so you should have no problems seeing normally. In fact, should you have any visual disturbance at all it is reason for immediate evaluation.

Andrew Pichler, MD

1 review

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

facedr.com

Recovery after upper eyelid surgery

The swelling is typically most severe for the first 72 hours after the surgery. I used cold packs to reduce the swelling and most of the patients are seen 1 day after the procedure. Very rarely is the swelling so severe that you are unable to open the eyes and see. Most of the time, you will experience heaviness sensation of the upper eyelids. Your vision should remain intact. Best wishes, Stewart Wang, MD FACS, Wang Plastic Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery

After the upper eyelid surgery is performed, many surgeons will place cold eye pads or ice packs over the eyes in the recovery room to reduce swelling and bruising. This can be removed anytime and you should be able to see normally after surgery. During the first week following surgery, I have my patients apply ointment over the incision line to prevent crusting and aid in the healing process. Most surgeons remove stitches between 5-7 days.At this point, the swelling has... more

Seeing after Upper Eyelid Surgery

After surgery to correct hooding or fullness of the upper lids, my patients can see normally. There is no dressing or patch to wear. There is merely ointment to apply twice per day. Patients occasionally have a slight difficulty to focus on close reading for a couple days, but this quickly resolves as any swelling leaves.

Upper eyelid surgery

Dear kmcnelley, Typically, there are some sutures in place The area is left uncovered You will be able to see your results right away even though there is some swelling It will continue to improve over the next couple of weeks Best regards, Nima Shemirani

Are eyes covered after upper eyelid surgery?

Normally, the eyes would not need to be covered after an upper blepharoplasty surgery and you should be able to see just fine. Ice packs are helpful on and off for the first few days to help with swelling and bruising, and obviously when these are placed, your eyes should be closed.

Upper Eyelid Surgery and Recovery

Upper eyelid surgery should have an easy recovery. Cold compresses in the first few hours to days can reduce swelling and bruising. The eyes do not need to be covered. By a week, most people have residual swelling but the bruising is gone. Find a plastic surgeon with great credentials for your procedure.

Vision after upper eyelid surgery

Patients are able to see after surgery, however, there will be some bruising and swelling after the procedure for the first 2 weeks post-op. Patients are not able to drive home after their eyelid surgery.

Following Surgery

Following upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), your eyes will be left open. This will allow ice packs to be applied to help decrease bruising and swelling. Ice packs are recommended for 30 minutes out of every waking hour for the first 48 hours after surgery.