How Can I Reduce Swelling More Quickly After Eyelid Surgery? (After Stitches Were Removed)

Hello,
Generally, I tell my patients that two weeks is more than enough time to recover from eyelid surgery.
We do everything possible in the Operating room to decrease bruising and swelling. Bleeding and bruising can be greatly reduced if your surgeon uses certain techniques during the surgery. We also spend a great deal of time with patients during the pre-operative visit to review with patient the dietary items and food and medications to be avoided week prior to surgery.  
It has been my experience that typically, the sutures are removed in about five days.Generally speaking, eyelid surgery is one of the quickest plastic surgery procedures to recover from.
I also instruct our patients to apply cold compresses for the first 3 days and then switch to warm compresses. Also it is very helpful to keep resting and keep the head of the bed elevated by 60 degrees. Lastly, Bromolaine tablets, Arnica pills and Arnica cream are very helpful in reducing the length of bruising, swelling and recovery period. Avoiding extraneous activities, lifting and exercising are also necessary to decreases swelling. 
Hope this is helpful.
Dr. Sajjadian

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience, there are indeed a few things you can do to reduce swelling after blepharoplasty. The most important post-op instruction is to not sleep on your face or to let your head tip forward (such as sleeping in a chair), as it can greatly increase swelling in the eyes. Try to sleep with your headed elevated by at least two pillows at night. Avoid salty foods as they cause you to retain water, which will increase swelling. Another tip I give all my patients who wish to speed recovery is to get frequent lymphatic massages after surgery, about 2 times a week during the first month. This special type of massage helps to redirect the edema (swelling) towards the lymphatic channels to reduce swelling. Before surgery, I recommend that my patients take oral Arnica two weeks before surgery, and continuing on it until at least two weeks after. Yet in regard to blepharoplasty surgery, most of my patients are beautifully healed, with almost no swelling, after 10 days. Perhaps your swelling could be caused by a reaction to the suture material used? I would speak more with your original surgeon, as he or she will know the common healing time for the techniques and procedures used during your surgery.

Usually eyelid swelling goes away quickly after stitch removal but healing varies depends on the patient, the procedure performed, and how it was performed. Icing helps in initial few days after surgery but not after stitch removal. Same thing with Arnica. Steroids can definitely speed up healing from swelling but usually not necessary. Discuss with your surgeon to make sure you are healing well.

Probably the most difficult part of having any cosmetic surgery is the waiting period after surgery for the "final result" which can take 6 months to a year. Eyelids generally heal quickly, by 2-3 weeks very little edema is visible. I take photos at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year and find that even subtle changes can be seen at 6-12 months. To speed the loss of edema, I would just continue to sleep with your head elevated on 2 pillows, and try to be patient--you WILL improve every day!

It's not unusual for patients undergoing blepharoplasty to have prolonged swelling. This swelling is often related to the magnitude of the procedure and is more common when fat pads are removed.Most patients will note significant swelling for about two weeks following surgery. After two weeks, most patients are comfortable resuming their normal lives and going out in public.In the immediate post-operative period, elevation of the head, avoidance of strenuous activity, avoidance of salt and ice can be used to minimize swelling.

Maximum swelling is usually at about 3-5 days and goes away over a few months. You should sleep with your head elevated and cut back on salt to help the swelling. 

Generally speaking, ice is most helpful in the first 48-72 hours. After that, it can be soothing but won't really hasten the resolution of the swelling. Obviously, avoiding strenuous activity and aspirin or other products that can affect platelets is essential. Other things that can be helpful include arnica montana (either in pill form or as a topical gel) and bromelain. Please make sure to check with your surgeon before initiating any new therapies.
 

There may be some benefit in using ice during the perioperative period.. One swelling is been established it's resolution is pretty much up to the body. Avoid massage or any other trauma to the area.

I would agree that ice packs would not be very useful to reduce swelling around your eyes a week and a half after your eyelid surgery.  Personally, I don't think that warm packs normally help, but your surgeon has the most knowledge about your particular procedure so I would not contradict his or her instructions.  It really just takes a matter of time for the swelling to resolve.  Normally, it would be okay to use makeup at this point, but I would confirm that with your surgeon.  

Hi @Korean: Thanks for the question! 
After a blepharoplasty, you can expect a week of bruising followed by another week of swelling. Adding other procedures may add a few days to recovery.

It might be too late for you now but also like to start our patients on Arnica & Bromelain about a week before surgery and this really may help reduce  swelling after surgery. 
If you’re slow to recover with swelling try adhering to a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, avoiding any salt whatsoever. This, combined with a few lymphatic massage treatments can do wonders for reducing facial swelling after an eyelid lift.
K. Chopra, M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Johns Hopkins Trained
Face, Body and Breast Expert