Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is consistently the most commonly performed facial plastic surgery procedure for both men and women in the US. This is for good reason. The area around our eyes is very susceptible to premature age signs like bags, lines, and wrinkles. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, eyelid surgery can treat these concerns and help provide a rejuvenated facial appearance. To help guide patients through their unavoidable post-surgery recovery period, I wanted to provide the following helpful tips:
Understand What to Expect
Setting and maintaining realistic expectations throughout the process is critical for helping patients be happy with their results and recovery. Eyelid surgery patients should anticipate some post-surgical bruising and swelling in the area for a week or two following their procedure, as well as some minimal discomfort. Some patients may experience mild blurry vision, dryness, or sensitivity to light, but these effects are temporary. Don’t get frustrated if your results aren’t immediately what you had in mind, as this will take time.
Treat Your Eyes Gently
It’s important to take care of the treated area during your recovery period. Patients who wear contact lenses should wear their glasses instead during this period. Wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses to protect this area from direct sunlight is highly recommended during recovery. Do not smoke or perform any strenuous physical labor for two weeks following eyelid surgery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Post-Surgery Instructions Closely
It’s imperative to carefully follow whatever guidelines your plastic surgeon lays out for you in order to have a smooth recovery period and promote the best possible eyelid surgery results. This may include the use of prescription eye drops or topical ointments in the days following your surgery. Avoid smoking and using other nicotine products in order to lower your risk for potential complications while healing.
In my personal experience, the recovery following eyelid surgery is rather straightforward for patients and the results more than justify any downtime. Still, it’s important for patients to fully understand the road ahead before making any decisions about undergoing cosmetic surgery. For more information on eyelid surgery or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, updates, and more.