Expect swelling and bruising around the eyes to last for around two weeks. You may need to wear an eye patch for a few days following surgery, to ensure the eye remains protected.
Other post-op recommendations by your doctor may include:
- Continued application of ice packs, to manage swelling
- Limited strenuous activity (including lifting weights or other heavy items) for the first couple of weeksÂ
- No contact lenses or eye makeup for at least one week
Depending on the type of surgical technique used, it may take anywhere from 3 to 12 months before you can determine the final results. âEyelid surgery is a surgery of millimeters,ââ says San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Shumway in a RealSelf Q&A. âTherefore, a small amount of residual lid swelling will affect the overall look.âÂ
For those with thyroid eye disease, healing from upper eyelid retraction repair can be an especially âtough dealâ because of the possibility of falsely perceived early results, says Beverly Hills, California, oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Steinsapir in a RealSelf Q&A. âItâs essential to overcorrect the eyelid during surgery, anticipating that with healing there will be contraction of the tissues,â he explains. âNot so occasionally, the surgery can actually bottom out the eyelid, leading to an overcorrection. Generally, overcorrection at [just] three weeks post-op is a good sign. If you were perfect [at three weeks], then by three months you would heal with the eyes too open.â
When the surgery is a success, people, like RealSelf member mcowens1, are very pleased. âWhat a great decisionâmy eyes arenât only beautiful, but I look so much happier since the âBasset Houndâ droop is gone. Itâs life-changing, in that I feel happier by looking happier.â