Undergoing eyelid surgery, also referred to as blepharoplasty, is a significant choice to enhance both your appearance and vision. Nevertheless, the primary focus of interest and concern often revolves around the recovery process for upper blepharoplasty. A seamless and effective healing process after blepharoplasty depends on your knowing what to expect during your recovery and the time frame that goes along with it. Although recovery experiences can vary from person to person, being informed about the general stages can help you to prepare yourself physically and emotionally for what lies ahead.
This blog will offer a comprehensive overview of the blepharoplasty procedure and recovery timeline, providing insight into what can be expected during the recovery from eyelid surgery.
Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery Procedure
If you’re wondering how to get rid of hooded eyes, upper blepharoplasty could be the right solution for addressing sagging or drooping eyelids that affect your appearance and vision. An upper blepharoplasty typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Below are the detailed insights of the procedure.
Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, the surgeon will thoroughly examine you and take measurements to ensure the best results. They will also take photos before and after the surgery to document your appearance.
Prior to eyelid surgery, the doctor will advise you to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. If you will be given general anaesthesia, you will need to fast the night before the surgery. Make sure to plan your ride home ahead of time.
During the Procedure
To start, the eyelid will be injected with a local anaesthetic by a surgeon. This will numb the area, ensuring that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. In some instances, a general anaesthetic may be utilised.
For upper blepharoplasty, surgeons make incisions along the eyelid crease in order to remove excess skin and extract protruding fatty tissues. Any droopy skin is eliminated before the surgeon reshapes the eyelid and the incision is closed. In the last, the incision may need stitches to close.
After the Procedure
Following eyelid surgery, the doctor might transfer you to a recovery area to ensure that you are ready to leave. Before you are discharged, they will discuss the application of cold compresses or ointments on your eye and provide you with prescriptions for pain medication, if necessary.
Following surgery, you may experience:
- Blurriness in your vision due to the eye-lubricating ointment applied.
- Watery eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Seeing double.
- Numb and puffy eyelids.
- Swelling and bruising similar to that of black eyes.
- Pain or discomfort.
Dos and Don’ts After the Procedure
Follow these steps to help in your recovery from surgery unless your surgeon provides different instructions.
Do:
- Apply ice packs to your eyes for 10 minutes every hour the night after the surgery. Apply cold packs to your eyes four or five times a day the next day.
- Make sure to use the prescribed eye drops or ointments.
- Keep your head elevated while you sleep for a few days.
- Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Wear dark sunglasses to shield the skin of your eyelids from the sun and wind.
Don’t:
- Do not engage in strenuous activities for a week, such as heavy lifting, swimming, jogging, or aerobics.
- Avoid smoking.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for approximately two weeks.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, naproxen, and other medications or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding.
Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery
Recovery from blepharoplasty can be divided into three parts—initial bruising and swelling, followed by healing and maturation of the incisions from the eyelid surgery.
Bruising is the first symptom to go away, usually taking around 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling may take longer to resolve and can persist for up to 6 weeks or more in certain cases. Swelling gradually subsides over time. Most patients can return to work or resume outdoor activities about five days after the procedure.
If you are comfortable with appearing bruised in public, you may be able to go out sooner. Eyelid surgery involves creating surgical incisions, which will result in scars. Blepharoplasty scars can take 12 months or longer to develop into a faint white line. Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for eyelid surgery recovery will give you the best chance of achieving nearly invisible scars after eyelid surgery.
Conclusion
You may have been considering upper eyelid blepharoplasty in Leeds for some time now, whether to address sagging eyelids for cosmetic reasons or to improve your vision. This procedure can effectively lift the upper eyelids, removing excess skin and restoring a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Before moving forward with the surgery, it’s important to keep in mind that, like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with potential risks and side effects. It’s always advisable to have a detailed discussion with a qualified surgeon who can address your concerns and answer any questions you might have. This will help ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal needs and expectations.
