How Long Should I Rest After Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery is a standard cosmetic procedure for improving the symmetry and appearance of the eye area. If you’ve undergone an eyelid procedure, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendation. Post-surgery recovery can take 2 two 4 weeks, but each case is different. Here’s an overview of how long you should rest after an eyelid operation:

What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery

Those who undergo eyelid procedures like blepharoplasty, brow lifts or droopy eyelid surgery need time to recover before getting back to daily activities. Most clinics have a recovery room where patients will remain until they are stable. Individuals may experience the following:

•    Blurred vision because of the lubricating ointment

•    Numb, sore and puffy eyelids

•    Slight pain and discomfort around the eye area

•    Swelling and bruising similar to a black eye

Once the subject is again comfortable, they can have someone pick them from the clinic. It’s also advisable to get help for the first night after surgery. You’ll continue to use the antibiotic ointment to lubricate the eyelid the wound.

How Long Will the Recovery Take?

Recovery begins once the surgery is complete, and patients may take varying durations to recover fully. It’s essential to notify the surgeon about developing symptoms and follow through with all recommended appointments. Some operations require several weeks to heal, but you’ll see much progress before full healing. Still, you should not skip any check-up appointments.

Most people can go back to work just a few days after surgery. The recovery has three main parts: bruising, swelling and incision/scar maturation. Bruising can take a couple of weeks to go away and is your first recovery phase.

Swelling is more variable, and the diminution is gradual. It can take some time to heal naturally.

Eyelid operations will leave incision scars and wounds requiring up to a year or more to reach full maturity. Scar maturity refers to maximum improvement or healing. Following the best post-surgery recovery methods can ensure proper healing and skin reconstruction during the maturity period. You should combine doctor recommendations and best self-care practices. Dr Koutroumanos’ surgical techniques will nearly always lead to scarless results. If this is not to be expected, it will be discussed with you prior to the surgery.

What to Do After Eyelid Surgery

There are various things to do after a surgical operation on your eyelid. You should prepare to take time off from work, school and daily activities immediately after the surgery. Preparation is essential to ensure you get the best rest during recovery.

You can appoint someone else to handle daily responsibilities like taking the kids to school or stocking the kitchen supplies. Your surgeon will also suggest various self-care practices to aid the recovery process. Popular recommendations include:

•    Using ice packs (or even a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a clean towel) constantly for the first 2 days after surgery

•    Cleaning the eyelids gently

•    Using prescribed eye drops and ointments

•    Sleeping with the head raised above the chest for the first few days after surgery

•    Visiting the surgeon to remove the stitches and discuss ongoing recovery

Eye surgery recovery is all about staying patient and having realistic expectations focusing on the end goal. The eyelids will be puffy and sore, and the incisions will look red. Swelling and bruising will also result in something close to a black eye. There’s no need to rush the healing process or feel stressed because it’s taking longer for the swelling/scarring to heal.

Eyelid surgeons recommend sleeping soundly. A good night’s sleep can speed up the healing process. If you feel tired or pressured, relax and focus on the recovery. It’s also essential to protect your eyes from wind, dust and sunlight. Use a hat, dark sunglasses and recommended sunscreen if you must go out and follow all instructions from the surgeon.

What to Avoid After Eyelid Surgery

You should avoid rubbing your eyes for the first couple of weeks after an eyelid operation. Eyelid surgeries require subjects to stop smoking and avoid medications like Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen. Medications and supplements, such as vitamin E, fish oils and cranberry extracts, are also ill-advised.

Such compounds increase bleeding and slow down the healing process. Your surgeon will explain everything you should avoid before and after the procedure. Make sure you get the approval of your surgeon before using any painkiller. You should also avoid straining your eyes through reading and watching TV and strenuous activities that increase blood circulation.

Working With A Reputable Ophthalmologist

Eyelid surgery recovery requires a licensed ophthalmologist with experience in the procedure. The priority should remain to find a reputable, experienced ophthalmologist with a growing reputation and a senior recognised NHS position.

At London Ophthalmology and Ophthalmic Plastics, you’ll receive professional services from an experienced practising surgeon. We specialize in eyelid, eye socket and peri-ocular surgery, recovery and general ophthalmology services. Speak with our surgeon today to learn more about functional and cosmetic eyelid surgery and recovery.