Blepharoplasty

How Much Downtime From Eyelid Surgery Can I Expect?

If you’re asking, “How much downtime from eyelid surgery can I expect,” here’s everything you need to know!

Published

2 years ago

August 30, 2022

Cosmetic Blog

The recovery process after a blepharoplasty might make you nervous, but it shouldn’t.

If you’re asking, “How much downtime from eyelid surgery can I expect,” here’s everything you need to know!

How Much Downtime From Eyelid Surgery Can I Expect? How Long Does Recovery Take?

As with any plastic surgery, downtime is necessary and should be expected. It’s going to take awhile before you can have a night on the town and show off your stellar results.

You can expect to set aside one to two weeks dedicated to resting and recovering after your surgery. After that period, you’re likely to receive approval from your surgeon that you can continue standard activities.

Bruising and swelling are both normal and resolve naturally, bruising at two to three weeks and swelling at around eight weeks. Typically, those first couple weeks are the most difficult part. You should see significant improvement and results after a few weeks.

What Are Some Aftercare Tips I Can Use for Speeding Up Recovery?

How well you follow aftercare ultimately determines how much downtime you’ll require. Follow these tips for speedier eyelid surgery recovery:

Avoid eye makeup, contact lenses, and other possible irritants.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
Keep your head elevated for several days after surgery.
Limit electronics use and reading as much as possible.
Remain consistent with the recommended eye care.
Take time off to rest and relax.
Use a cold compress on your eyes to help with swelling.
Wear sunglasses on sunny or bright days for at least a year.

Call Dr. Kim for Expert Advice Before and After Eyelid Surgery!

Direct your questions like, “How much downtime from eyelid surgery can I expect,” to our expert team! We’ll guide you through every step of the process to ensure the best results. Don’t just trust our word, check out our before-and-after photo gallery!

Call us at 703-782-2979 to book your consultation today!

Up Next

When Can I Go Back to the Pool After Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty

When Can I Go Back to the Pool After Eyelid Surgery?

If you’re interested in eyelid surgery, then you undeniably want the healing process to go smoothly and achieve fantastic results.

Published

2 years ago

May 2, 2023

Cosmetic Blog

If you’re interested in eyelid surgery, then you undeniably want the healing process to go smoothly and achieve fantastic results.

So, you’re probably wondering, “When can I go back to the pool after eyelid surgery?” Here’s what you need to know for successful blepharoplasty results this summer!

What Are the Do’s and Don’ts After Eyelid Surgery?

Each surgeon has their own post-operative instructions and aftercare steps that they want you to follow, so verify these with your doctor before and after surgery. You can expect the instructions and limitations to look something like this:

Do:

Apply a cold compress to the surgical areas frequently for the first 72 hours.
Keep the surgical areas clean and dry.
Keep your head elevated after surgery.
Use prescribed medications and eye drops as recommended.
Wear sunglasses outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days.

Don’t:

Engage in strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
Rub or apply pressure to your eyes.
Smoke or drink alcohol for at least two weeks.
Wear contact lenses or eye makeup for at least two weeks.

So, When Can I Go Back to the Pool After Eyelid Surgery?

It’s essential to avoid swimming pools for 14 days after blepharoplasty. You should also avoid saunas, hot tubs, and ocean or lake water for at least two weeks. Soaking your wounds leaves you at risk for an infection, delaying the recovery process and even damaging your results.

You are allowed to wash your hair with distilled water, but be careful to not allow any water to touch the incisions.