As soon as your eyelid lift surgery is finished, your surgeon will apply ointment to your eyes and may also apply a dressing. Following this, you will be brought into the recovery room. Most patients experience temporary blurry vision during the time they are in the recovery room. While the anaesthesia wears off, your eyes may feel hot, tender and tight. If you feel as though you are in pain, ask for a pain reliever. The experience of coming out of anaesthesia varies from person to person.
If you are not staying overnight at the hospital or surgery centre, you will need a designated driver — a friend or family member — to drive you home. You will feel hazy with unclear vision for at least 24 hours. Your sutures will be removed about three days after your eyelid surgery.
Recovery: Restrictions
You’ll need to rest for the first 7 to 10 days following your blepharoplasty. Your eye surgeon will discuss with you what over-the-counter painkillers will help you through your recovery.
With any surgery, infection is a risk, and an elevated temperature could lead to an infection. Monitor your temperature every day for signs of infection. Ensure that you take the full course of your antibiotics to help reduce your risk of infection and follow your post-operative instructions from eyelid surgery clinic from the Gold Coast – Dr Scamp.
Most individuals return to work within ten days after this surgery, but specific tasks such as reading may be challenging. You will likely be able to watch TV after a few days. Do not participate in strenuous activities for at least three weeks. You can often go back to using eye makeup within two weeks. Make-up works well as a camouflage to hide bruising around the eyes. Avoid contact lenses for the first two weeks following surgery; eyeglasses are OK. If you do decide to go back to wearing contact lenses; keep in mind that they most likely will not feel comfortable for a while following your blepharoplasty.
Recovery: Bruising and Swelling
Some swelling and bruising following your blepharoplasty are expected. Your eye area is very delicate and can swell and bruise easily. The more complicated the blepharoplasty surgery is, the more swelling and bruising you are likely to experience. Bruising varies from moderate to black eyes, but this will dissipate in time.
Your eyes may seem more swollen in the days following surgery. As the days progress, the swelling will slowly diminish. It can take up to three weeks for swelling to resolve fully, so be prepared to wait for your final results.
Holding a cold compress on your eyes and face can help keep swelling and bruising down. These are available at a pharmacy or online. Your surgeon may also recommend herbal remedies like Arnica Montana to minimise post-surgical swelling and bruising.
Recovery: Eye Care
If you see excessive dryness or tearing following blepharoplasty surgery, your surgeon may advise using a wetting solution or eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated; they can also help alleviate itching and burning sensations. Your eyes may also be light sensitive, so think about wearing dark sunglasses to protect your eyes them better. Protect any incisions with a strong sunblock.
