Is eyelid surgery painful?

It’s natural to worry about whether an eyelid surgery will cause pain. The short answer is: It depends. Experiences with pain and recovery may vary and understanding what to expect and how to manage post-surgical care is important.

This article provides general insights into what patients might typically experience during and after blepharoplasty and offers tips for minimising discomfort. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.

How painful is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is not a painful procedure and is relatively easy. Once you wake up from the surgery, you may notice blurry vision due to the antibiotic ointment applied to the eye area to avoid it from becoming dry. Some bruising and swelling are also common post-surgery. Blurry vision immediately after surgery may occur and typically results from antibiotic ointment applied to the eye area to prevent dryness and protect the healing tissues.

Patients remain in the hospital for 24 hours and can go home with oral pain medications for any minor discomfort. Swelling begins to decrease after the first week. However, bruising around the eyes may last a bit longer but can be concealed with makeup once the skin has sufficiently healed.

Incisions for upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are inconspicuous, and any noticeable scarring is likely to fade over time. 

Understand that when it comes to pain, individual experiences can vary. Some patients describe a sensation akin to having weepy or irritated eyes for a few days, comparable to bad allergies. Others may feel a tightness or soreness in the treated area. It all depends, really.

How to recover quickly after eyelid surgery?

Eye drops are prescribed 24 to 48 hours post-surgery to prevent the eyes from becoming dry. At Artiste Plastic Surgery, we encourage taping and regular massage of the lower eyelid structures in the immediate postoperative period, extending through the two to three weeks following your eyelid surgery. This will soften scarring and maintain the lower eyelids in the desired position. 

You can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling around the eyes. Use eye protection like sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes from the sunlight. You should stay away from strenuous activities for up to four weeks. Try to get plenty of rest to accelerate healing. Read our eyelid surgery aftercare tips for more information.

You can drive and return to work after one week when the sutures are removed, and the bruising and swelling begin to subside. 

If you’re concerned about pain management or recovery expectations, discussing these with your surgeon beforehand can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure a smoother recovery process.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.