Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Recovery


You will be required to rest until the effects of the general anaesthetic have worn off. Pain relief may be required as the anaesthetic wears off, to help cope with the discomfort. You can then go home but are not advised to drive until after the initial recovery. It is recommended that somebody stay’s with you for 24 hours following the procedure.

The side effects of a successful operation are mostly temporary and include:

  • Swelling, Bruising & Tenderness - These reside quite quickly, usually within a week, but can last for up to one month. Your head should be kept elevated for a few days using a pillow, to help reduce these symptoms. The area can also be compressed using ice but ice should not be applied directly to the skin as this can cause ice burns. Swelling can cause the lower eyelid to be pulled away from the eye socket. This usually settles within a few days, but if is does not, further surgery may be required.
  • Tight Eyelids - Eyelids may feel tight when eyes are closed due to the swelling and skin removal. This should lessen with the healing process. The surgeon should be contacted immediately if the eyelids cannot be closed after a few days and sleep is disrupted.
  • Sticky, Itchy, Gritty, Dry Eyes - These usually settle within a few weeks.
  • Watery Eyes - This may be due to the swelling under the conjunctiva and of the tear ducts. This can last for a few weeks and is quite normal.
  • Light Sensitivity - This improves after a few weeks.
  • Impaired or Double Vision - This is quite normal and usually improves after a few days.
  • White heads - These can appear along stitches and can be easily pricked away with a needle.
  • Scaring - Red scars along the inner margin of the lower lash and socket line of the upper eyelid, usually fade away overtime.

Your eye surgeon should be contacted immediately if you experience severe pain, shortness of breath or irregular heart beats, chest pain or bleeding during recovery.

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