Realistic upper and lower bleph recovery timescale?

Question

Generally speaking, how long after upper and lower bleph would I be able to have a face to face conversation, with somebody who knows me well, without them asking what happened to my eyes (with makeup on)? I know people say two weeks, but is it true that in this time it would be possible/likely for someone to notice NO scars/swelling/bruising without close inspection?

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

This is a great question. Patients heal at different rates, so there is no way to predict exactly how long it will take you to heal. The upper blepharoplasty scar is hidden in the crease of the eyelid. By two weeks, most patients feel they can have a conversation with someone without it being obvious that they had surgery. The scar would still be visible on close inspection, especially with the eyes closed, and continues to mature over the next 12-18 months. There is often some swelling which will persist for 6-12 weeks after surgery, but this is not very noticeable in most patients. Bruising can usually be covered up with concealer by two weeks.I perform most of my lower blepharoplasty surgeries through an incision on the back of the eyelid, so there is no visible scar. With concealer it is hard to tell most patients have had surgery by two weeks, even though there may be mild swelling that can last 6-12 weeks.Again everyone is different. Some patients heal much more quickly and some patients take longer. These are general guidelines.

Michael R. Macdonald, MD · Answer

Sutures and tape come off in about a weeks time, and there may be some bruising depending on the person.  If you're in good health and don't have any complications two weeks is a good time frame.  If you want to be conservative, I would wait about 4 weeks before people who know you very well see you under close inspection.  Be well!

Michael Hromadka, MD · Answer

Hi ~ We tell our patients to plan on 10-14 days of swelling and bruising that other people will notice after upper/lower blepharoplasty.  Everyone is different in their healing time and if you want to be extremely conservative wait 4 weeks after surgery which will give your body plenty of time to heal.

Duane O. Hartshorn, MD · Answer

The saying is true, everyone heals differently. I caution my patients that it will  be about 10-14 days before all the swelling and bruising has subsided. Often times, they are pleasantly surprised because it does not take this long but if there are any unforeseen issues that arise they have allowed themselves the time they need to heal. Assuming all goes well and you are a quick healer, I would say two full weeks before anyone who is inspecting you closely will notice that you have had anything done.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

We remove blepharoplasty sutures 3-5 days after the surgery and most patients put a little makeup on and go back to their normal lifestyle, including seeing friends and co-workers. Occasionally, patients swell or bruise more than average and it may take them a full 10-14 days to look really good, but I think your two week timescale is very realistic.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

That does not mean every patient meets that bench mark.  However most patients by two weeks are at a point where others will not immediately notice the recent surgery.  However you are not perfect either.  For what you are describing more time is really needed but most people find the two week time frame workable for returning to work.

Jessica Kulak, MD · Answer

Two weeks is a good estimate to be recovered that the average person wouldn’t notice that you recently had surgery.  For close friends, that spend significant time with a face to face conversations, the early healing scars or mild residual swelling may be noticeable for a month or so. Healing time varies from person to person.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Most patients have visible swelling and bruising for 2 weeks after a blepharoplasty procedure.  Makeup can be applied at one week after the procedure. The incisions themselves take several months to heal completely

Realistic upper and lower bleph recovery timescale?

Answers (8)

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