What is the Recovery Time After Eyelid Surgery?

When considering blepharoplasty surgery, it is important to understand the recovery process and what to expect before resuming daily activities. Each individual’s recovery timeline can vary, and it is best to consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised advice and guidance. Proper planning and understanding of the procedure can contribute to a smoother recovery period, but is not a guarantee.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery Timeline:

Before discussing the recovery timeline for blepharoplasty, it’s essential to note that individual experiences vary. Recovery times can be different based on each patient’s overall health, adherence to post-operative care instructions, and unique responses to surgery. 

The following timeline is meant to serve as a general guide and should not be taken as definitive. Always consult with your surgeon for personalised expectations and care instructions to ensure the safest and most comfortable healing process tailored to your needs.

Week One

At first, expect discomfort, swelling, and soreness in the wound area. You may also experience hazy or reduced vision as a common adverse effect of the swelling following the procedure.

Usually, your stitches are removed around this time since the swelling and soreness would have subsided by then. This is also the perfect time to get as much rest for your eyes and body to recover.

Week Two 

By the end of the second week, most patients have healed considerably. After eyelid surgery, the incisions, along with some edema, will still be noticeable. Most patients feel at ease returning to work after around ten days.

Week Three

Around week three, your doctor will most likely give you the “all clear” to begin physical activity and exercise. Make sure to attend all post-operative appointments to get clearance from your surgeon.

Week Four Onwards

Most patients are completely recovered from their eyelid surgery by the first month. The swelling and redness are typically gone at this time. 

The length of your healing period and what you’ll experience is unique, even though there is an approximate recovery period for eyelid surgery. Make sure to follow the post-operative instructions from your surgeon for a smooth recovery. 

Considering eyelid surgery involves an in-depth understanding of potential benefits, risks, and realistic expectations. A consultation with a qualified surgeon, such as Dr. Jack Zoumaras at Artiste Plastic Surgery, can help provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

Plastic surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly; it is essential to feel comfortable throughout the entire process, from the consultation to the day of surgery (should you decide to proceed). If at any point you have concerns, it is important to communicate them to your surgeon to ensure the best care and understanding.

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.