Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

What can you expect after aesthetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

After the surgery, you may temporarily experience:

• Pain or discomfort

• Swelling or bruising
  

• Numbness of the eyelids

• Blurred vision from lubricating eyedrops or ointment applied to your eyes

• Double vision
  

• Light sensitivity
  

• Difficulty in closing your eyes

These symptoms usually improve over several days with rest.

The recovery process is fairly quick post-surgery and in the weeks that follow:

• You will stay in the recovery room for one or two hours after surgery and will be discharged once you are no longer drowsy from the anaesthesia and the risk of abnormal bleeding, nausea or swelling has passed.

• Cold compresses are usually helpful to reduce the swelling and bruising, as is sleeping with your head raised higher than your chest for a few days.

• You will be taught how to gently clean your wounds and apply antibiotic ointment and eyedrops regularly.

• Painkillers and antibiotics will be prescribed to control the pain and minimise the risk of infection. 

• During the first one to two weeks after surgery, you are advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, exercise, swimming, smoking and rubbing your eyes.

• You will need to avoid contact sports for three to four weeks.

• You will also need to avoid activities that can increase your pulse or blood pressure for two or three days to lower your risk of bleeding or swelling.

• Avoid activities that may irritate your dry eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts and using a computer.

• Use of darkly tinted sunglasses when you go out during the day will help to protect the wounds from the sun and wind.

Your surgeon will ask you to return to the clinic for removal of the sutures about 5 to 7 days after the surgery. The bruising and swelling generally subsides after 14 days of surgery. Redness of the scars is normal after surgery and typically fades over several months. During this time, it is important to avoid excessive sun exposure on your delicate eyelid skin. It will take several months before the optimal result is achieved.