We instinctively look for social cues in other people’s faces. If drooping eyelid skin and heavy undereye bags make people assume you are tired or angry, an eyelid lift can help bring you a more alert, friendly appearance. This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat and tightening what remains for natural-looking results that can make you look younger and happier.

What Does Blepharoplasty Recovery Entail?

An essential part of preparing for any surgery is knowing what to expect during recovery, so you can allow yourself the time and space your body needs to bounce back more quickly. It takes most patients several months to see full results from an eyelid lift. You will have incisions in your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, which need time to heal.

Initial side effects may include some redness, swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes, and discomfort. You can manage these by applying cold compresses and using pain medication as directed.

Most patients feel well enough to return to work one week after eyelid surgery; however, choosing to combine a blepharoplasty with another surgical procedure will likely prolong your recovery. Also, if your work entails heavy use of a computer or tablet, you may wish to take more time off or arrange a part-time schedule to avoid excessive screen time as you heal.

Eyelid Lift Recovery Advice

Here are our top three tips for a seamless, stress-free blepharoplasty recuperation.

1. Rest Your Eyes Frequently

After an eyelid lift, you might experience eye strain symptoms like dryness and light sensitivity, and notice your eyes tire more quickly. To speed the healing process, you can take naps when you feel tired. Leisure activities like reading or watching TV can put excess stress on your eyes and slow your recovery. As an alternative, listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts with your eyes closed.

2. Be Gentle with Yourself

While healing from eyelid surgery, be careful not to rub your eyes, pull at your eyelids, or put any undue pressure on your skin. If you usually wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for the first 10 days after your procedure. Don’t wear eye makeup, and be cautious about cleaning and moisturizing your eye area. We also suggest avoiding strenuous exercise for the first week, though you can take light walks around your neighborhood.

3. Set Aside at Least a Week for “Me Time”

Even a relatively minor elective surgery like blepharoplasty can put strain on your body. One way to prepare is by doing household chores like laundry in advance, so you can take at least one full week to rest and focus on yourself. Cook and freeze a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced meals – that way, when you get hungry, you can quickly heat something up and keep yourself fueled. You might also ask a friend or family member to help you around the house, especially if you have young children who need a lot of attention.

Delivering Outstanding Eyelid Lift Results in Dallas

Leading plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Teotia has pioneered several in-office facial plastic surgery techniques that allow her patients to remain awake during the procedure, avoiding the potential risks of general anesthesia. You can stay comfortable throughout your eyelid surgery by self-administering Pro-Nox™, a 50-50 mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide.

Dr. Teotia’s skill and precision with in-office treatment techniques allow for a faster recovery time, while still delivering the outstanding results you deserve. She and her caring, all-female team are here to help patients in the Flower Mound, TX, area achieve all their aesthetic goals and elevate their self-esteem to new heights. If your outward appearance doesn’t match the way you feel on the inside, contact us today to make an appointment for your blepharoplasty consultation and start a partnership with us.