Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is a popular cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids, giving them a more youthful and rejuvenated look.
Navigate your blepharoplasty recovery journey with expert guidance from us and discover blepharoplasty recovery tips for a smooth and comfortable healing process.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fat from the eyelids to enhance the overall appearance of the eyes.
You may consider blepharoplasty to address issues such as sagging or drooping eyelids, puffiness, and under-eye bags. Blepharoplasty can give the eyes a more alert, youthful appearance and restore confidence in your look.
Upper Blepharoplasty
In an upper blepharoplasty procedure, precise incisions are crafted along the upper eyelid’s natural crease to eliminate surplus skin and fat deposits.
Occasionally, tightening the underlying muscles might be necessary. Lifting and rejuvenating the upper eyelids through upper eyelid surgery achieves a revitalized and youthful look.
Lower Blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery)
Similarly, lower blepharoplasty surgery aims to reposition or eliminate fat and skin from the lower eyelids. In this procedure, an adept plastic surgeon strategically creates incisions either inside the lower eyelid or just beneath the lash line.
The surgeon will reposition or remove excessive and may choose to tighten adjacent muscles before closing the incision.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can improve your confidence and self-image by restoring facial harmony and symmetry and removing under eye bags or drooping eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also restore functionality if you have vision issues due to excessive hooding of the upper eyelids.
Sagging skin can interfere with vision or induce discomfort during routine tasks such as reading or driving. Blepharoplasty can significantly improve vision and enable patients to regain clear sight.
What to Expect During Blepharoplasty Recovery
The eyelid surgery recovery period varies from person to person, but most patients expect significant improvement within 10 days and final results within 14 days. For optimal healing, it is essential to follow post-surgery self care instructions.
Symptoms such as swelling and bruising are common after any surgery. To manage these, patients may use cold compresses and adhere to the prescribed medication regimen to aid in reducing these post-surgical effects.
4 Tips for Effective Blepharoplasty Recovery
1. Use a Cold Compress
Utilizing a cold compress can help minimize and reduce swelling and bruising around the eyes. You may wish to use a cold compress on and off and with the guidance of your surgeon.
2. Use Topical Creams and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Applying any recommended ointment to the incision sites as per your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions to promote healing. It is important to keep the area clean and moisturized for optimal recovery. You may also benefit from taking over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol to alleviate any postoperative discomfort.
3. Protect Your Eyes
Protecting the eyes from the sun and harsh light is crucial during recovery. Wearing sunglasses can shield the eyes from harmful UV rays and aid in preventing discomfort, particularly if the eyes are sensitive to light during the healing process.
4. sleep and adequate rest
Getting a good night’s sleep and adequate rest is crucial for your eyelid surgery recovery, as your body heals most effectively during sleep.
Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support the healing process, and use lubricating eye drops as recommended by your surgeon to keep your eyes comfortable and prevent dryness during the recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I resume strenuous activities after eyelid surgery?
For optimal healing after eyelid surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least two weeks. This rest period supports your body’s healing process and significantly reduces the risk of complications that could affect your recovery.
How long do the results of blepharoplasty last?
As a surgical solution, blepharoplasty is considered permanent. However, the aging process and whether or not you lead a healthy diet and lifestyle may begin to affect the results you see over time.
What are the benefits of blepharoplasty over a non-invasive solution?
The big benefit of blepharoplasty is that it is a permanent solution. Additionally, although there are a few non-invasive solutions for the small areas around the eyes, many aren’t available.
If you’re unsure about committing to surgery, you can explore the look of an eyelid lift with dermal fillers or a thread lift.
How soon can I apply makeup following blepharoplasty?
You can resume wearing makeup after 1-2 weeks and once the incisions fully heal. For any other additional aftercare instructions you can ask in your follow up appointment.
Will I have noticeable scars after blepharoplasty?
Incisions are strategically positioned to ensure discreet scarring. Your blepharoplasty surgeon will minimize the visibility of your incisions and do their best to leave no visible sign of surgery.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty at Aesthera Plastic Surgery typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. The exact price can vary depending on the complexity of your case, whether you need upper, lower, or both eyelids treated, and any additional procedures performed at the same time.
Several factors affect the total surgery cost, including the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location, the extent of the surgery required, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments.
Can I wear contact lenses and do intensive exercise after eyelid surgery?
No, avoid wearing contact lenses for about 2 weeks and refrain from intensive exercise to prevent increased blood flow to the surgical area. Keep your head elevated while sleeping and take prescribed pain medication as directed by your surgeon.
How can I ensure a smooth recovery and minimize swelling after consulting with cosmetic surgeons?
To achieve a smooth recovery, follow your cosmetic surgeons’ instructions carefully to minimize swelling and monitor your blood pressure as directed.
Contact your doctor if you experience persistent blurry vision, as some residual swelling is normal but should gradually improve over time.
book your eyelid lift consultation
A blepharoplasty is a great way to restore youth and vitality to your face. If you’re interested in getting an eyelid lift, schedule a consultation with Dr. CV Chegireddy at Aesthera Plastic Surgery today.
