What is the recovery from eye surgery? (Photo)

Hello, thank you for your question. Typical recovery really depends on the type of eyelid surgery you have, whether it is upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, both, or if additional procedures were performed at the same time such as a orbicularis suspension flap, canthopexy, or ptosis repair. Some of these additional procedures are more involved and recovery is sometimes more prolonged.
In general, however, following a blepharoplasty during the first 48 hours you will most likely need to use periodic cold packs to reduce swelling and want to avoid strenuous cardio activities. Sleeping with your head elevated higher than your chest will also help with swelling. You'll want to avoid medications, such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, and aspirin because they increase your risk of bleeding. Periodic eye drops will also help keep your eyes from drying. Significant bruising can occur, but it typically resolves within two weeks. You will have swelling over the next several weeks which will improve during that duration. Permanent sutures, if used, are typically removed 1 week out from surgery. You may notice minor lower eyelid shape changes if some of the additional procedures listed above were used, this typically resolves after a few months time. Typically you can return to normal activities within a few weeks. I hope this is helpful! Dr. B.

If your question is regarding upper eyelid blepharoplasty, there is typically 5 to 7 days of downtime. If somebody tends to be a Bruiser, it could be a bit longer. Thank you for your question and I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Hello Charming,

The recovery from eyelid surgery is depends on swelling, bruising, and healing of incisions. In the majority of cases, upper eyelid stitches are removed 5 to 7 days after surgery. Most bruising is gone by 10 days, and swelling by 14 days. Most of my patients are able to return to work and normal activities 10 to 14 days after surgery, though they are able to read, watch tv, work on their computers, go to the grocery store with sunglasses after 2 to 3 days. Feel free to contact our office with any further questions. Good luck and be well.
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Recovery course after upper eyelid surgery is usually shorter, 4-7 days. However, lower blepharoplasty is more complex and is usually accompanied with longer recovery between 7-14 days. Hope this helps.

Depending upon what type of eyelid surgery you are contemplating, you should expect about two weeks of visible, bruising and swelling. The incisions themselves usually take 2 to 3 months to fully heal.