What is the postoperative period like after blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is one of the least invasive facial surgeries and offers the best results for patients. In addition to rejuvenating the look with a distinctly natural appearance and without scarring, it is also a quick and painless surgical treatment. Without a doubt, when it comes to blepharoplasty, the postoperative period is one of the main advantages patients experience compared to other cosmetic surgeries.
What are the advantages of the postoperative period after eyelid surgery?
Most patients seeking facial cosmetic treatment are held back by the potential discomfort they may experience during the postoperative period. However, blepharoplasty recovery is unlike other treatments, and despite the sensitive and exposed area of the eyelids, the postoperative period offers the following advantages for the patient:
- Painless postoperative period: The patient will never feel pain after blepharoplasty. They may experience some discomfort, both in the affected area and some conjunctivitis or dry eyes (due to the additional measures taken to protect them after the cornea is exposed to light in the operating room), but there is no pain.
- No scar. Lower blepharoplasty requires no sutures or dressings, so there is no scar and recovery is immediate. In some cases of posterior blepharoplasty, a thin suture is placed and removed a few days after the procedure. The scar from this suture is hidden behind the eyelid crease, making it always invisible to the naked eye.
- Fast results. The final results of blepharoplasty are visible almost immediately, so within a few days after eyelid surgery, the patient can appreciate their new appearance and return to their normal life.
As with any other procedure, carefully following the plastic surgeon’s instructions minimizes the risk of complications.
When will I leave the hospital?
Although many patients know that the postoperative period after blepharoplasty is quick and virtually painless, there are some concerns about what the first day after eyelid surgery will be like.
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and mild sedation. The operation takes less than an hour, and the patient can return home the same day with thin tape covering the wounds and ice to reduce swelling. Eye ointment may also be applied to moisturize and protect the area. This may partially blur vision, but it does not prevent the patient from seeing clearly or require assistance when moving or walking.
What will the first days be like?
During the first two days after eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, the patient will experience some swelling of the eyelids and some tension around the eyes. To treat both symptoms, both oral medication and ice applications are often recommended.
Ice is essential to increase the vasoconstriction caused by the cold and reduce edema. Swelling of the eyelids is also accompanied by minor bruising, the intensity of which depends on the patient’s age.
Bruising can last up to two weeks and is best treated with ice and vitamin K cream. Once the stitches are removed after the first week, the patient can wear makeup to hide any purple or yellow tones that may remain around the eyelids, but eye makeup should be avoided for at least two weeks after the procedure.
The use of mascara is only permitted after the third week. For itchy and dry eyes, applying eye drops to lubricate and protect the cornea and rinsing the eye with saline is sufficient.
During the first few days, this sensation is natural and typical after oculoplastic surgery and is not due to an infection.
Other recommendations that should be followed during the first few days to speed up the recovery process from blepharoplasty are:
- Avoid hot environments that cause dry eyes.
- Shower with warm water instead of hot, and do not wet your head to avoid moistening the adhesive tapes.
- Try to sleep horizontally and face up to avoid irritation and lifting of the stitches. Before going to sleep, apply ointment, and upon waking, if you experience dryness, rinse your eye with saline solution and apply eye drops or ice.
- Wear sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun. They also help hide bandages and bruises.
- Avoid high-intensity sports until the first 20-30 days have passed.
In any case, although these measures help reduce discomfort and shorten the recovery period after eyelid surgery, the duration of the blepharoplasty postoperative period will depend on each patient and their blood pressure and vascularity in the area, as well as the medication they normally take.
You can see here some cases operated on by Dr. Nieto in which you can see the results achieved: Blepharoplasty before and after
When will I be able to live a normal life?
Recovery after blepharoplasty is rapid , and rarely causes negative consequences or pain or discomfort other than those discussed in this article. The postoperative period after blepharoplasty is compatible with the patient’s normal life.
Although vision may be partially blurred at first, it is possible to read and work on a computer without problems. Driving is not a problem until your vision has fully recovered and is no longer blurred.
Regarding return to work, it is recommended that you begin within the first week of surgery. In any case, most patients have fully returned to their normal routine within two to three weeks .
By then, the patient can also clearly see the results of the procedure. In less than a month, patients can enjoy a rejuvenated face with natural results that greatly improve their quality of life.
If you’d like more information about the benefits of blepharoplasty, you can contact us at our clinic in Madrid and Barcelona , where we’ll assist you without obligation.
Other articles on blepharoplasty that may also interest you:
How do I know if I need upper eyelid surgery?
Contraindications to blepharoplasty
How to apply makeup after blepharoplasty
