Blepharoplasty, or “eyelid surgery,” is a procedure that has increased the quality of life for 96 percent of patients who had it performed. By removing excess skin and tissue, you can reduce the “droopiness” aspect of the eye, improving its aesthetics and function.
Still, for the results to meet your expectations, you need to understand every stage of the recovery process. Knowing this can help you transition back into your day-to-day life, enjoying your results for as long as possible. By reading this blog, you will learn what to expect after you undergo blepharoplasty with Dr. Travis Shaw!
Stages of Blepharoplasty Recovery
By understanding the stages of recovery, you can manage your expectations and get the appropriate care. Here’s what recovery will mostly be like:
1. First Month
During the first four weeks after your blepharoplasty, you may be dealing with a fair amount of swelling and bruising at the surgical site. Ice packs can keep this at a minimum, especially when used within the first 24 hours. You’ll be advised to keep the area clean and apply an antibiotic cream, as directed by Dr. Shaw. This can help keep infections at bay.
2. Next One to Three Months
After the first month, you’ll notice that the bruising and swelling are fading, giving you a glimpse of the results. Keep in mind that the area is still healing, so you should continue using the ointments or eyedrops provided by Dr. Shaw. We recommend that you continue protecting your eyes at this stage by wearing sunglasses.
3. Beyond Six Months
Six months post-blepharoplasty, most of the healing is already done. The scars are no longer pink and noticeable right now, and they have faded significantly. They will blend into the eyelid crease at this point, but if you are bothered by them, you can have the scars treated.
What to Expect from Results
Once the recovery has ended, you should be able to see the results. Initial improvement can be observed after one month, but the final results are generally visible after the fourth to sixth week. They will continue improving subtly after this change, especially if you care for the area. The results have the potential to be permanent, but they do not stop the aging process.
For this reason, you might want to repeat your blepharoplasty every five to 10 years, depending on your skin laxity level. Dr. Shaw may recommend combining blepharoplasty with laser skin resurfacing or microneedling around the eye area to improve the skin texture and give it more strength. Injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be used for rejuvenation, preventing the formation of wrinkles or drooping of the eyebrows.
Tips for Smooth Recovery
Your actions during the recovery stage can influence your overall results, along with their longevity. Here are a couple of tips to improve your life after blepharoplasty:
- Rest Your Eyes
During the first days post-surgery, you should avoid activities that strain your eyes. This includes reading, watching TV, or using digital screens. You can check them occasionally, but because blue light stresses the eye, we recommend that you keep it as minimal as possible.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities
Vigorous exercise and other similar activities can increase the blood flow to the eyes, making the swelling worse. It’s recommended that you lay low for the next seven to 10 days to speed up your recovery.
- Sleep With the Head Elevated
While you don’t have to sleep standing upright, you should use a pillow that keeps the head above the heart level. This will keep excess blood from pumping there and will prevent excess swelling.
- Be Patient With the Makeup
Makeup can irritate or cause infections on the site, so we suggest that you refrain from using it until Dr. Shaw gives you the clear.
Get Your Blepharoplasty Today!
Healing from blepharoplasty takes time and patience, but the transformation can be life changing. For the best results, you should stick to the post-op guidelines offered by Dr. Shaw. Schedule an appointment today for blepharoplasty and see the world through new eyelids!
For more information about blepharoplasty, you can contact Dr. Travis Shaw, MD, at 804-775-4559. This way, you can obtain the advice necessary to enjoy a smooth recovery. As an alternative, feel free to fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.
