While eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is not a very major surgery, it still involves a considerable recovery process. The cosmetic surgeon will discuss the recovery aspects at the time of pre-op consultation to help the patient make an informed choice. The surgeon will also provide instructions that should be followed for a safe and quick post-operative recovery.
Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing blepharoplasty and other cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, and face. Dr. McCluskey will address the patient’s concerns about recovery and will help them prepare for a comfortable recovery. He provides eyelid surgery to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding communities.
Immediately after the Surgery
The cosmetic surgeon will usually perform eyelid surgery as an outpatient procedure. Following the surgery, the patient’s eyes will be wrapped with bandages. The patient will be moved to a recovery room where the bandages may be taken off. The patient should have someone responsible to drive them back home after the surgeon relieves them.
In the first few days, the patient may have to take pain medications and antibiotics as prescribed by the surgeon. A lubricating ointment and cold compresses may be applied in the first two to three days to mitigate swelling and itching. Eye drops may be prescribed to prevent dry eyes. Mild swelling, bruising and irritation will go away on its own within a week.
First Few Weeks
In the first five to seven days, the patient should give plenty of rest to the eyes. Activities such as watching TV, reading books, using the computer or wearing contact lenses should be avoided in the first few days to minimize strain to the eyes. It is usually advisable to keep the head at an elevated position in the first few days to hasten the recovery and healing.
At the end of the first week, the sutures may be removed. Most patients will return to their normal routine at this time. They should wear dark sunglasses for the first 15 to 30 days following blepharoplasty to protect the eyes against sun and wind. Eyes may get quickly tired in the first few weeks, and frequent naps are recommended in this phase.
Bending, lifting heavy objects, and performing vigorous exercises should be avoided for at least two to three weeks. This will help to minimize the risk of increased blood flow to the eyes. Depending on the speed of recovery, the plastic surgeon will recommend when to resume full physical activities. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from Atlanta, GA and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.
Establishing of Results
Following blepharoplasty, the patient will be able to notice the improvement in the eyelid appearance once the bandages have been removed. Over the next several weeks, as the swelling and redness resolves completely, full results will start becoming visible.
The eyes will gradually appear more alert and youthful, and the patient will progressively feel more satisfied with their new upper facial look. Scarring will be negligible in most cases due to discreetly placed incisions.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: