Tips for Healing after Blepharoplasty

Eyelids that are hooded, heavy, bulging, or saggy make the face look older. This is true even when the signs of aging on other parts of the face are relatively mild. The effects of blepharoplasty, a surgical eyelid procedure, can be so profound that the entire face looks younger and more energetic afterward. Some people who were considering facelift surgery but decided to focus first on their eyes have been so impressed with their results that they lost all thought of the facelift they felt they needed. Now, is that true for everyone? Probably not. The point is that eyelid rejuvenation surgery is popular for a reason, it significantly improves appearance. Here, we discuss what patients can do to improve their recovery after this conservative procedure.

Your Blepharoplasty Recovery

Blepharoplasty patients are advised to anticipate a recovery period of 10 to 14 days. It is during this time when the vast majority of surgical side effects resolve and the rewards of surgery are most profound. It is also during this time when patients may not feel completely thrilled about their appearance. After blepharoplasty, the area around the eyes looks bruised and swollen. Incisions are red and the stitches may be visible on the upper eyelids. In light of this, patients can prepare for their blepharoplasty recovery by understanding that they will have to wait a short time for the results they expected. A healthy mindset and lots of entertainment can go a long way in this regard.

Self-Care After Blepharoplasty

There is something about blepharoplasty recovery that can be challenging if you’re not prepared. Yes, you understand that you will need to rest, but the way that you rest may be different in real life than it is in your mind before you have your procedure. As you prepare for your eyelid rejuvenation surgery, consider ways to keep boredom at bay that do not involve using your eyes. When we hear that we should rest, we might envision playing some computer games or binge-watching a season of that show we’ve heard so much about. With this in mind, the reality of resting after blepharoplasty may come as a shock. While you can watch a show here and there while you recover from this procedure, screen time should be limited. This is because your eyes tire more easily and we want to prevent unnecessary fatigue and dryness. These can cause more discomfort than is necessary. Instead of watching or reading activities, consider something new, like listening to podcasts or a few audiobooks. As long as you wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, you might feel up to taking short walks outdoors or sitting outside in the shade. The rest in blepharoplasty doesn’t have to feel boring. It can be truly reinvigorating when you plan well for this short time-out from life.

Would you like a fresh outlook on your appearance? Contact us at 513.985.0850 to schedule your consultation at our Cincinnati office.