One of the most common facial procedures done by many people to improve their eye area’s appearance is Blepharoplasty. It revolves around making the eye area look less tired and more youthful or simply improving the symmetry. After the procedure is done, knowing what the recovery process entails can make the process not only less stressful but even more effective.
So, with that being said, here’s what you need to know when it comes to Blepharoplasty recovery:
Will It Hurt?
In most cases, when it comes to the recovery process of Blepharoplasty, you can expect the pain or discomfort to be relatively mild compared to other facial surgeries. However, this is not to say that it will be nonexistent. It will vary from patient to patient, but according to research, on a scale of 0 to 10 the pain score was, on average, 3.5 for males and 2.2 for females after surgery. All in all, this factor should not be enough to make you think of whether or not you should have the surgery done. It is also important to note that the pain will subside relatively quickly compared to other types of surgery.
When Will I be Able to Return to Work?
Typically, most patients can return to work after about seven to ten days. Sutures are generally removed seven days after surgery. In general, there will be some swelling and bruising for 1-3 weeks depending on the patient. This is because the procedure is deemed relatively minimal and straightforward compared to other procedures that require more care. This only goes to show how the recovery process is generally much easier than one would think.
Will I Need to Take Pain Medication?
Usually, pain medication is not needed during the recovery process of Blepharoplasty. While it is up to you whether or not to use it, it is not widely recommended.
Will I Be Able to Wear Makeup After the Surgery?
You will be able to wear eye makeup after your incisions have fully healed which may take between 1 to 3 weeks. In any case, your plastic surgeon will determine what is best for you. As with anything, it will depend on how well your body reacts to the healing process. In the end, applying eye makeup while your eyes are still healing can cause irritation or even an infection, so it is best to follow your plastic surgeon’s directions. It is also a good idea to replace old eye makeup with new one that is also hypoallergenic. This will help minimize the chances of eye and skin irritation.
What Should I Do Post-Surgery to Maximize Recovery?
Again, this is something that your plastic surgeon will determine, but it is generally advised that you wear large sunglasses with 100% UV protection when you go out to protect your healing skin, and the nice thing about it is that you can hide your recovery eyelids. Protecting your eyes from direct sunlight in the early post-operative period will help avoid scar pigmentation. In general, it is always good to wear sunglasses outdoors since it is a way to help reduce wrinkling around your eyes.
Also, it is advisable to refrain from participating in any strenuous activities such as working out or even driving until the swelling has completely subsided.
That said, dry or watery eyes are common after a Blepharoplasty and your plastic surgeon may prescribe an eye ointment or artificial teardrops to combat dryness. Also, for around two days, you may need to apply ice packs and sleep with your head elevated to reduce the swelling.
In case your eyes feel tired, take a nap. Your eyes can easily get tired during the recovery period, and resting allows your eyes to recover.
Conclusion
In the end, it is important to understand that the recovery process of Blepharoplasty is rather straightforward. However, it is still something that needs to be properly managed by a medical professional. That being said, if you are considering having this procedure done, it is important that you do your research. The more you know, the easier it will be to understand what you will be experiencing and what you have to do to ensure you come out looking the best version of yourself!
Peninsula Plastic Surgery offers blepharoplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, mommy makeovers, and more to help individuals enhance their bodies. If you are looking for cosmetic surgery in California to look your best, reach out to us today!