What is the standard eyelid surgery recovery time?

Typical recovery is as follows:

Pain Level: Mild discomfort. 0-3 days of pain medication; may not require medication
Swelling and bruising: skin removal only: 3-5 days; skin & fat removal: 1-2 weeks
Stitches: if used, removed in 2 -5 days; no bandages
Work: Return after 5 days with makeup; After 2-3 weeks without makeup
Exercise: Wait 2-3 weeks
Sun protection: Six months with SPF 15 or higher
Final result: Seen after 1-2 months

Contact lenses may be worn in 1-2 weeks (glasses can be worn immediately)
Eye makeup can be worn after 7 days

For faster recovery:
• Sleep with your head elevated for the first few days after surgery to minimize swelling
• Place ice compresses on your eyes for 1-3 days
• Avoid activities that dry the eyes (reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer)
• Avoid excessive blinking, which leads to increased swelling
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation
• Avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes (bending, lifting, crying and exercise)
• Don't drink alcohol (can cause fluid retention and delay recovery)

Hi there,
In general, I advised my patients to be prepared to take 1 to 2 weeks off work for blepharoplasty procedures. Obviously it'll also depend on the magnitude of the procedure, whether it's just an upper or lower blepharoplasty or both. The swelling tend to be worse in the first 3 to 5 days before it starts to subside in the following week where all sutures will be removed by 5 to 7 days post op. The majority of swelling will subside by 3-4 weeks post op time frame. 
Certain patient profiles, especially for patients with atopic/allergy background could sometimes take longer for the swelling to improve. Patient expectations, comfort and preferences in letting people know they have eyelid procedures depending on the their respective line of work and individual personalities could also have significant impact on how long they want to "hide" before returning to their normal work environment.
Hope this helps your preparation in your prospective blepharoplasty procedure.
Best wishes
Ellis Choy

Thank you for your question. Like any surgery, everyone heals a little differently and the recovery process varies. However, compared to other surgeries, eyelid surgery is generally very well tolerated. If you just have an upper blepharoplasty, some patients are able to be social within a few days. Sutures are removed at day 4-5, so that is one limiting factor but I use a small suture that is hidden under the skin so it's difficult to see. 
One key to minimizing your bruising and swelling post eyelid surgery is to rest, ice and keep your head elevated. If you're able to dedicate your first 2-3 days to this you will have a much shorter recovery. Some patients feel great and try to get back to their normal routine too fast and that can set things back. So be patient and put in the time upfront to decrease your recovery time. 
If you have an upper and lower eyelid procedure the recovery process is a little longer. There may be more swelling and bruising so most people need more like 5 days. If you do develop bruising this can take more time to resolve. Using Arnica pre and post op can decrease the severity of the bruising. I also give everyone zofran, which treats nausea. The last thing you want to do it become nausea and throw up. This can be related to the anesthesia or the pain medications. 
Every surgery has a different approach and recovery protocol. It is important to understand what you need to do postoperatively before surgery so you have a good strategy. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon and ask lots of questions.