How soon will I be able to drive after bilateral cosmetic upper lid blepharoplasty?

Driving after surgery is a common question for many plastic surgeons. The decision on driving is based on many factors, including area(s) of surgery, required of postoperative medications, and type of anesthesia used for surgery. Upper eyelid surgery, as compared to lower eyelid surgery, generally has a quicker recovery. Most patients don't require pain medication after a day or two. In addition, upper eyelid surgery can be performed in the office via local anesthesia. Swelling and bruising is typically minor.For most plastic surgery procedures, patients often wait at least 7 days before driving. Upper eyelid surgery patients may even be able to drive the same day. However, each patient is unique, so always speak with your surgeon.Dr. Chaboki

Thank you for sharing your question. For the initial 3 days following blepharoplasty you should remain upright with cold compresses on the eyelids in order to diminish swelling snd bruising. After that time, driving is probably safe unless you have unusual swelling. Discuss post surgery care with your doctor prior to having the blepharoplasty performed. Good luck.

Most patients experience some mild swelling with upper eyelid surgery and it is hence best and safest to have someone drive you home after the procedure. If sedation was used, you need someone to drive you home as well. The amount of swelling varies from patient to patient but most patients are able to drive either the day after surgery or within a few days. Best wishes!

We usually recommend having someone drive you home after surgery. Depending on how much swelling occurs, you may be able to drive the next day or within a few days. Obtain a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area in order to undergo an evaluation as well as discuss treatment options and recovery.

If done under local anesthesia you could theoretically drive right after surgery.  The main variable is the degree of swelling that you get, if more significant then you may be uncomfortable driving.  Because of this I think it is worthwhile to have someone else drive you home.  If you have been given any sedatives then you should not drive until the next day.

You could drive immediately after having upper eyelid blepharoplasty.  Majority of the time There is swelling but you are still able to see very well.However, if you are given anesthesia then you should not drive for at least 1 day.  I also recommend to my patients not to use her eyes for 2 days and continue icing and resting the eyes.  This helped reduce the bruising and edema really fast.RegardsDr. J

Before you can drive, you need to first have returned to your normal vision, free from any visual field deficits or irritation that can occur with swelling.  Second, you need to be off of all you narcotic pain medication.    Most patients take very little pain medication after upper blepharoplasty so that is rarely an issue.  The majority of the swelling typically subsides after the first few days and many patients will actually drive themselves in for their first follow-up appointment at one week.  Best wishes!

In most cases, patients can problaby drive within seven to ten days provided that their vision is clear. Best of luck. Always best to ask your surgeon.

I advise my patients that everyone heals and responds differently, but that 99% of my patients feel comfortable driving the next day.

Every patient is different, but for many it is safe to drive a few days after surgery.  I usually recommend for my patients to use antibiotic ointment which may temporarily blur the vision.  Artificial tears will clear up any dryness.  Contact your surgeon about what they usually recommend.  An oculoplastic surgeon will be able to examine your eyes and eyelids after they perform your surgery to make sure that it is healing well and you are safe to drive.  Good luck!