Eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your appearance by removing sagging skin and undereye bags that give you a permanently fatigued expression. If you struggle with daily tasks like reading and driving because your upper eyelids obscure your peripheral vision, an upper eyelid lift even has the functional benefit of expanding your field of view.

Many people over 40 are excellent candidates for eyelid surgery because the delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show signs of aging like wrinkles and laxity. If you’ve worn contact lenses for many years, you may find yourself seeking blepharoplasty sooner because contact lens wearers must stretch and manipulate their eyelids at least twice a day to put their lenses in and take them back out.

What to Expect During Blepharoplasty Recovery

Typical blepharoplasty side effects include redness, swelling, and soreness around the incision sites, which you can minimize by applying cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated. You may also experience dry eyes, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.

Your eyes may tire sooner than usual in the early stages of your recovery. Learn the signs of eye strain and take frequent naps or breaks to speed the healing process. Avoid excessive screen use and reading, which can put unnecessary stress on your eyes.

Wearing Contacts After Eyelid Surgery

If you usually wear contact lenses to correct your vision, you will need to rely on glasses for at least 10 days after eyelid surgery. Wearing contacts too soon can cause severe discomfort, especially if you are already prone to experiencing dry, gritty eyes due to your contact lenses. Additionally, touching and pulling on your eyelids to insert and remove contacts requires you to touch and pull on your eyelids, which can slow the healing process, increase the risk of complications, and adversely affect your results.

One essential way to prepare for your eyelid surgery is to ensure you have at least one pair of glasses with a current prescription. Since glasses make no direct contact with your eyes, they are safe and comfortable to use while you recover. Also, always wear sunglasses when you go outdoors to protect your sensitive skin from direct sun exposure. When Dr. Teotia clears you to wear your contacts again, start slowly by only keeping them in your eyes for a few hours per day, then build up your tolerance from there.

Explore Eyelid Surgery in Dallas, TX

As a physician who has built a thriving Dallas plastic surgery practice, Dr. Stephanie Teotia understands the concerns that cause people to pursue cosmetic procedures. Her partnership-based philosophy goes far beyond what most plastic surgeons offer, ensuring all her patients feel welcomed, valued, and heard.

Dr. Teotia has developed a safe, comfortable in-office eyelid surgery that does not require general anesthesia. You will self-administer Pro-Nox – a combination of a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide – as needed during your procedure. Combining local anesthesia and sedation allows Dr. Teotia to complete your eyelid lift with minimal pain, anxiety, or stress.

To learn more about what to expect from eyelid surgery and recovery, contact our friendly team today.