Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery

If sagging, excess skin around your eyes makes you look tired, eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is an excellent option that can rejuvenate your appearance. At the Hove Center for Facial Plastic Surgery in Paoli, PA, Dr. Christopher R. Hove offers eyelid surgery for the upper lids, lower lids, or both. 

Here, we discuss lower eyelid surgery recovery, and what patients can expect in the days, weeks, and months following the procedure. 

Lower Eyelid Surgery: An Overview

Lower eyelid surgery removes excess skin below the eye and removes or repositions fat, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

There are two primary methods for performing lower eyelid surgery. The first involves making an incision just below the lash line. However, in cases where no skin removal is necessary, a transconjunctival incision can be made on the inside of the lower lid. In most instances, eyelid surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure.

What to Expect during Recovery

Immediately following lower eyelid surgery, patients can anticipate redness and inflammation, particularly around the incision sites. Excessive tearing is also common. 

Your doctor may recommend the use of eye drops or eye ointment to combat dry eyes. This may cause temporary blurred vision, a condition that will diminish during the first few days after surgery. 

In many cases, patients will also experience a heightened sensitivity to light. This is a normal byproduct of treatment and should improve gradually over time.

Post-operative Care

To alleviate post-operative discomfort and tightness, analgesics may be used. 

While the stitches are still in place, the incision sites should be lubricated with ointment to reduce irritation and dryness on the skin. 

If swelling is an issue, cold compresses can be applied to the eyes in 20-minute increments. 

Patients should also wear sunglasses for at least two weeks after their eyelid surgery to protect the area.

Although difficult, patients should refrain from activities that trigger dry eyes, such as wearing contact lenses, reading, watching television, and computer use. This will help keep the eyes naturally lubricated. (Consequently, this early recovery period is an excellent time for frequent naps, as the eyes tend to tire more easily for the first few weeks.) 

It is also a good idea to keep the head elevated whenever possible to reduce bruising and swelling. 

For the first month after surgery, patients should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes. This includes things like heavy lifting, bending over, playing sports, or even crying. Dr. Hove will discuss post-operative instructions with you in detail during your consultation. Generally, most patients can resume routine activities, including going back to work, approximately ten days after the procedure. 

Lower Eyelid Recovery Timeline

As with many cosmetic treatments, it can take several weeks for the results to become evident. Remember that swelling and bruising are normal aspects of healing and will diminish with time. After a few weeks, the eyes will appear more youthful. Although it can take some time, the majority of patients are so happy with the outcome that the waiting period is well worth it. 

Contact Our Practice to Learn More

If you feel that your eyes make you appear older or tired, eyelid surgery could be the answer for you. To learn more about upper or lower eyelid surgery, schedule a consultation at our practice. Call us at (610) 647-3727 or contact us online.