Blepharoplasty Recovery

Healing rate for all blepharoplasty patients is different .Older patients recover less aggressively than the younger patients. Patients with sun-damaged skin often heal faster and may have less scarring than patients with "pampered" skin. Healing rate of Asian patients is slightly faster than non Asian patients.

The healing procedure starts just after the blepharoplasty surgery is performed. Patient's eyes are lubricated with an ointment. Sometimes the bandages are also placed on the wounds but this purely depends on the need.

After anesthesia wears off, patient may feel tautness around eyelids and the eyes may feel sore. This slight pain and tightness is usual, but in case of severe pain, patient shall call the plastic surgeon immediately. The severe pain is controlled by pain medication.

Post-operative instructions for blepharoplasty:
It is advisable to follow the plastic surgeons every single advice sincerely for timely healing from Blepharoplasty.

• Special attention should be given to the cleanness of eyes. Surgeon gives instructions on how to clean operated eyes to remove the grumpy, sticky formations without hurting the stitches.
• Keep your head elevated higher than normal while sleeping.
• Keep pouring eye wetting drops at regular intervals. This help to keep the eyes moist.
• For reducing swelling cold packs are recommended.
• Temporary Blurriness, excessive tears & sensitivity to light may occur.
• Do not use contact lenses for several weeks after blepharoplasty.
• Patient should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, participation in sports, and drinking alcohol for first two to three weeks. These all can delay healing.

Duration of fading of scars:
As eyes are a prominent feature of a person so they remain under constant observation causing the healing process seems longer. The bruises take almost two weeks to greatly diminish. The scars may remain pinkish for a half year or so but they will eventually become lighter and go nearly undetectable. The intense red of the first few days will change to a purple and finally a yellow tint making the scars almost invisible. Protection from sun in the initial days of healing is essential as sun may cause scars appear more reddish.

Going Out in Public:
Often all the patients move out in public in about 10-14 days of healing, although this duration can be longer for patients who are more sensitive about his looks or for patients with slower rate of healing. Some patients may wish to try to camouflage any persistent post-operative discoloration products to hide the fact that you had surgery. It is a must to get an "okay" from the surgeon before applying any sort of eyelid makeup after surgery.