Every year in the United States, more than 350,000 eyelid surgeries are performed, either to correct vision issues associated with drooping lids or to improve the aesthetic appearance of the lids. Also called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery consistently ranks among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures among Americans.
At Advanced Eye Center in Hialeah, Florida, Rodrigo Belalcazar, MD, uses advanced blepharoplasty techniques to correct functional issues and to help the eyes appear more alert and youthful. In this post, he offers a quick review of what to expect as you recover from your eyelid surgery.
Immediately after your eyelid surgery, you’ll stay in a recovery area for a little while so you can be monitored. Once you’re ready to go home, you’ll need to have someone on hand to drive you.
During this very early stage of recovery, you can expect some puffiness and mild discomfort in your lids. Your eyes may be extra sensitive to light, or they may feel dry or irritated. Your vision may be temporarily blurry.
Swelling around the eyes is also common, along with bruising. Some people say their eyelids feel numb immediately afterward. We’ll provide you with medicine to help you manage any discomfort, along with a special ointment to prevent infections and help your lids heal.
Plan to take a few days off during this time to give yourself plenty of time to rest. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling, and follow your care instructions closely. While over-the-counter pain medicines may be helpful, only take them with Dr. Belalcazar’s approval, since these medicines may increase bleeding. If you have any questions, call the office and we’ll be happy to help.
Once you’re home, the real recovery begins. Resting during this period is essential, and you’ll also need to be vigilant about avoiding sun exposure in your eye area. Wearing sunglasses anytime you go outside is imperative. Adding a wide-brimmed hat is a good idea, too.
During the first 2-3 weeks, your bruising will subside. Don’t wear makeup or use contact lenses until Dr. Belalcazar says it’s OK. Most people return to work and other public activities within 5-7 days of their surgery.
Swelling can take a little longer to completely resolve. Using cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated can help speed the process along. Don’t rub your eyes, since doing so could cause complications and prolong the healing process.
Avoid any strenuous activity during the first week or two of recovery. Dr. Belalcazar will let you know how soon you can return to your normal routine.
Eyelid surgery involves incisions, and that means you’ll have scars. However, Dr. Belalcazar uses special techniques to help hide blepharoplasty scars inside the lids or along the lid folds. Be sure to apply any creams or ointments he prescribes, which may help your scars fade.
While eyelid surgery is a safe, effective, and popular option for many patients, in some instances, Dr. Belalcazar might recommend an alternative treatment, depending on your needs and goals. For some patients, nonsurgical Plexr® treatment is a good choice. This treatment uses plasma energy technology to tighten loose skin without incisions or surgery.
If you have drooping lids, Dr. Belalcazar can help you find just the right solution to help improve your vision and appearance. To learn more about blepharoplasty and its alternatives, call 305-707-6011 or book an appointment online with Advanced Eye Center today.
