Once you undergo upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, you can expect to spend approximately seven to 14 days resting and recovering. Once you reach the two-week point, you can enjoy your new, youthful-looking eye area. It is important to know what to expect post-procedure so that you can experience a quick, healthy recovery.
Here are our tips for ensuring that your recovery goes as quickly as possible:
1. Plan ahead
Planning nutritious meals, finding someone who can help you with household duties or childcare immediately following your procedure, and tying up any loose ends before your scheduled procedure are all important. Planning ahead will make a significant difference in helping you feel relaxed during the recovery process.
2. Avoid strenuous activities
During the first two to four weeks after your eyelid surgery, it’s important to avoid activities that increase blood flow to your eyes. This means you’ll need to avoid jogging, aerobics, sports, and intensive exercise. Try to avoid reading, watching TV, or checking your email the week following your blepharoplasty.
3. Get plenty of rest and sleep in the correct position
Sleep will give your body a chance to heal. Try to get a good night’s sleep each night to speed up the recovery process. If you feel tired, take a nap. You need to keep your head elevated (about 2-3 pillows) for several days to minimize swelling.
4. Hydrate and eat the right foods
It’s important that you hydrate so that you can recover as quickly as possible. From fruits to healthy fats, it’s important that you add the right foods to promote healing.
5. Avoid touching the surgical wound
Touching the wound especially with your bare hands can lead to infection. The sutures may start to itch a bit as they heal but definitely avoid scratching at your incision line – ask our Premier Plastic surgeon David Lo or our staff for suggestions to minimise the itchiness as you heal.
6. Protect Your Eyes
It is important to protect your eyes from wind, sunlight, and other elements during your recovery. If you must go out, make sure to wear dark sunglasses and a hat for protection. You should also apply sunscreen.
7. Follow your self-care instructions
Some of the few basics for eyelid care following surgery include cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to prevent dry eyes, and an ointment to keep them lubricated. It is important that you diligently follow your self-care instructions provided by the surgeon.
For more information about upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), feel free to contact our Premier Plastic Surgery Office in Knoxville at (865) 306-5680. For personalized advice or to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION with Dr. David Lo, our Plastic Surgeon, you can also book online at: https://www.premiersurgicalplasticsurgery.com/request-a-consultation/