Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is a great way to restore a youthful look to your eyes. With this procedure, you can expect about a week or two of downtime. While there is no doubt you are anxious to see your results, taking the time to recover is essential. These six tips can help make your recovery time easier and get you closer to showing off those youthful-looking eyes in no time.
Prepare for Recovery
You are not going to be up to doing regular activities after your procedure, so making sure you have everything on hand is essential. Make sure your home is stocked and even consider making ready-to-cook meals ahead of time.
Make sure any prescriptions are picked up before the big day and have them on hand. You may need assistance during recovery, so having a friend or family member on call is always a good idea. And clear your schedule. This is no time for appointments or other activities. This is your time to relax, rest and recover.
Follow Post-Op Instructions
Following your procedure, you will receive after-care instructions from your plastic surgeon. This should include things such as how and when to clean your eyes, ointment applications, the use of cold compresses and much more. It is essential for good healing to follow these instructions.
Protect Your Eyes
After eyelid lift surgery, your eyes are going to be extremely sensitive. They will be puffy, swollen and bruised. They will be very sensitive to sun. If you do go out, be sure to wear protective sunglasses and even a hat to shield them from the sun’s rays.
Rest, Rest, Rest and Ice, Ice, Ice
Above all else, take this recovery time to rest. Avoid trying to push yourself to get through the day. For the first several days it is best to rest and keep your back elevated to help with bruising and swelling. Ice compresses help tremendously after surgery to diminish bruising and swelling. We recommend using ice compresses every 20 minutes while awake in the first 3 to 5 days.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Now is the time to make sure you are eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Healthy foods nourish your body and promote healing while water keeps you hydrated. If you are a smoker, stopping 2 weeks before and after surgery helps minimize healing problems from smoking. Put the cigarettes away at least until recovery is complete, as smoking can slow down healing, recovery and affect your result.
Throughout your blepharoplasty recovery period, if you have any questions or concerns, always reach out to your plastic surgeon. If necessary, they will bring you in for an examination. The main thing to remember about eyelid lift recovery is that this is a time for rest and relaxation.
Dr. Small runs Ocean Plastic Surgery and Laser Center. The mission of the practice is to provide exemplary holistic care through innovation, technical skill and compassion with unparalleled service. He provides comprehensive cosmetic, laser skincare and reconstructive services.
