Blepharoplasty Recovery: What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is performed to remove or reposition excess skin and fat around the eyelids. Although it involves a relatively small area, the delicate tissues around the eyes can bruise and swell noticeably after surgery.

Understanding the recovery process can help you plan properly and avoid becoming concerned by normal temporary changes. Your surgeon will provide instructions tailored to the procedure you have undergone, and these should always take priority over general recovery advice.

What Happens During Blepharoplasty?

Upper eyelid surgery usually involves removing carefully measured excess skin and, where necessary, adjusting underlying fat or muscle. The incision is generally positioned within the natural crease of the upper eyelid.

Lower eyelid surgery may address excess skin, prominent fat pockets or a combination of the two. The incision may be positioned just beneath the lower eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid, depending on what needs to be corrected.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty can be performed separately or during the same operation, depending on which surgeon you choose and what procedures they offer. The exact recovery will depend on the areas treated and the complexity of the procedure.

What Will My Eyes Look Like Immediately After Surgery?

Swelling and bruising are expected after eyelid surgery. The eyelids can feel tight, watery, gritty or sensitive, and the eyes may initially look uneven because swelling rarely develops identically on both sides.

You may also experience:

• Temporary blurred vision caused by ointment or watering
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Dryness or irritation
• Mild discomfort
• Difficulty closing the eyelids completely because of swelling
• Red or visible incision lines

Swelling often becomes more noticeable during the first two or three days before it starts to settle. Bruising can extend beneath the eyes and into the cheeks.

Most of these changes are temporary. However, you should contact your surgical team promptly if you develop severe pain, a sudden change in vision, rapidly increasing swelling or any symptom you have been advised to report.

NHS hospital guidance notes that swelling and bruising commonly last for around two to three weeks and may initially increase during the first three days. 

The First 24 to 48 Hours

You should arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you following the operation, as advised by your surgical team.

During the first couple of days, rest with your head raised rather than lying completely flat. This can help to limit swelling. Cool compresses may also be recommended, but these should be used exactly as instructed and without placing pressure directly onto the eyelids.

Avoid rubbing your eyes or disturbing the wounds. Any ointment, eye drops or medication prescribed should be used according to the instructions provided.

Your vision may be temporarily affected by swelling or ointment, so reading, screen use and other activities requiring prolonged visual concentration may initially feel uncomfortable.

The First Week After Blepharoplasty

Swelling and bruising are normally most apparent during the first week. The incision lines may look pink or red, and the eyelids can feel tight.

Stitches may be dissolvable or may need to be removed at a follow-up appointment. The precise timing varies according to the technique used.

Many patients feel well enough to undertake light activities at home within a few days, but this does not mean the tissues have fully healed. Bending, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise can increase blood pressure around the eyes and should be avoided.

Do not wear contact lenses, eye make-up or products around the incisions until your surgeon confirms that it is safe.

The Second Week

By the second week, the swelling and bruising should usually be improving. Some patients feel comfortable returning to work during this period, particularly if their job is not physically demanding.

However, the time at which you feel ready to be seen socially is a personal decision. Residual bruising, redness or asymmetrical swelling may still be visible.

The NHS advises that many people take approximately two weeks away from work following eyelid surgery, although this depends on the procedure and the person’s occupation. 

Weeks Three to Six

During the following weeks, the eyelids should begin to look and feel more natural. The majority of obvious bruising will usually have resolved, although a degree of swelling can remain, particularly after lower eyelid surgery.

The incision lines may still be pink and can occasionally feel firm or tight. These changes normally improve as the scars mature.

Exercise and other activities should be reintroduced gradually and only with your surgeon’s approval. You should also protect the healing area from sunlight, as sun exposure can make new scars more noticeable.

When Will I See the Final Result?

An initial improvement may be visible once the early bruising and swelling have settled, but this is not the final result.

The tissues around the eyes continue to heal for several months. Fine swelling may take longer to resolve than expected, particularly in the lower eyelids. The scars also continue to soften and fade over time.

The aim of blepharoplasty is usually to produce a fresher and less heavy appearance while preserving the natural character of the face. It cannot stop the ageing process or remove every line around the eyes.

The result will depend on your skin quality, underlying anatomy, healing and the type of surgery performed.

Are Blepharoplasty Scars Visible?

Upper-eyelid scars are normally placed within the natural eyelid crease, helping to disguise them when the eyes are open. Lower-eyelid incisions may be made immediately beneath the eyelashes or inside the lower lid.

At first, scars can appear pink, red or slightly raised. They normally become softer and less noticeable as healing progresses, although no surgeon can promise that a scar will become completely invisible.

It is important not to apply scar products or massage the area until your surgeon confirms that the wounds are ready.

When Can I Drive After Eyelid Surgery?

You should not drive while your vision is blurred, while you are using medication that affects your ability to drive, or until you can see clearly and react safely.

Swelling can temporarily restrict vision, and you must be able to perform an emergency stop and meet the normal legal requirements for driving. Your surgeon can advise when it is appropriate based on your individual recovery.

When Can I Wear Eye Make-Up and Contact Lenses?

The timing will depend on how the incisions are healing. Make-up should not be applied to fresh wounds, and contact lenses should not be inserted while the eyelids remain swollen or irritated.

Your surgical team will check the wounds and advise when these can be reintroduced. Do not use make-up simply to disguise bruising unless you have been told that the incisions have healed sufficiently.

What Can Affect Blepharoplasty Recovery?

Healing varies considerably between patients. Factors that can influence recovery include:

• Whether upper, lower or combined eyelid surgery was performed
• The complexity of the procedure
• Skin quality and age
• Smoking
• Existing dry-eye symptoms
• General health and medication
• How closely aftercare instructions are followed

Smoking can interfere with wound healing, so you may be advised to stop before and after surgery. Your surgeon must also know about any eye conditions, thyroid problems, diabetes, dry eyes and all medication or supplements you take.

When Should I Contact My Surgeon?

You will be told which symptoms require urgent advice. Contact your surgical team if you are worried about your recovery or experience an unexpected change.

Severe pain, a sudden deterioration in vision or rapidly increasing swelling should not be ignored. Although complications are uncommon, prompt assessment is important.

Potential complications of blepharoplasty can include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, dry-eye symptoms, asymmetry, visible scarring and changes to the position of the eyelid. These risks should be discussed fully before surgery. 

Blepharoplasty Consultations with Mr Sherif Wilson

Mr Sherif Wilson is one of the most trusted plastic surgeons in the UK and offers consultations for upper-eyelid surgery in Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and Newport. Please note Mr Wilson only performs Upper Blepharoplasty.

During your consultation, Mr Wilson will examine the eyelids, discuss the areas that concern you and explain whether blepharoplasty is likely to achieve the improvement you are looking for. He will also discuss the operation, scars, recovery and possible risks so that you can make an informed decision.

To arrange a consultation with Mr Wilson, please use the contact form or call 0117 980 4092.