Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Common Questions

What are some of the post op concerns?

Our patients state that they are surprisingly free of discomfort. Bruising may be minimal to moderate. We recommend the use of ice cold compresses for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery in order to help decrease potential bruising. During the period of swelling, there may be some tightness of the eyelid areas and, infrequently, the inability to totally close the eyes while asleep until the swelling is resolved. (Approximately twenty percent of the population normally cannot completely close their eyelids at night.) In order to potentially decrease any eyelid irritation, we provide specialized ointment and instructions for eye care at night. Most of the swelling and bruising usually resolves by seven to ten days. The incision lines do show some swelling and pinkness for several days to a few weeks. After the stitches are removed (usually five to seven days after surgery), hypoallergenic make-up can be used as a camouflage.

Contact lens wearers are advised to have prescription glasses available for the first five to ten days following surgery when their contact lenses can usually be replaced. We suggest that a small suction cup be utilized to place and remove contact lenses to avoid any pulling on the eyes for the first two weeks when placing contact lenses.

As the healing program progresses, there may be some minimal, temporary bumpiness along the eyelid incision lines. This will resolve with time. Little whiteheads (milia) which may be temporarily blocked glands can occur.

Some degree of blurriness of the vision is expected for several days to a couple of weeks after the operation. This may be due to swelling or ointment.

Most people feel that their recovery is quite rapid. The patients generally feel much better than they look as some degree of swelling and bruising does take several days (seven to ten days) to resolve sufficiently that make-up can cover the areas. You may use cover-up make-up on bruises after three to four days. Eye make-up and mascara can be used after ten days.

Most people feel that by six weeks they feel themselves again. It is not unusual to have some degree of irritation from the sun and wind for a period of several weeks after the operation. Therefore, we recommend the use of dark glasses when driving or outside. (Avoid the use of top half dark and bottom half clear lenses as these sometimes can increase the glare bouncing off the hood and windshield of your car onto the lower portion of your eyelids.)

For those in the entertainment field or those who wish to have photographs taken, we recommend a minimum wait of six weeks after surgery. It make take anywhere from three to six months before the absolute optimal result is noted.

Common Risks	The Procedure
Common Questions	Post-Op Instructions
Post surgery check list

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