What Can I Expect after My Eyelid Surgery?
Immediately after your blepharoplasty, you can expect your eyelids to look somewhat swollen and bruised. Your NYC plastic surgeon advises you to apply lubricating ointment and cold compresses. Expect the minimal swelling to last a few months. The procedure leaves a small scar, but while it may take a a full year to completely disappear, it’s often concealed in the natural folds of the skin around your eye.
The objective of blepharoplasty is to make your eyelids look better and to correct any functional problems, protecting your sight. Your recovery time and outcome depend on your specific needs, as well as the experience and skill of the surgeon. Most people need two weeks before returning to normal activity following an upper eyelid or lower eyelid surgery.
Meanwhile, watch for symptoms that include:
- Ongoing pain, redness or swelling, which may indicate an infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Discharge around the incision sites
- Asymmetrical eyelids as the swelling subsides
If you notice even minor changes in your vision or your ability to close your eyes, call your eye doctor immediately. You can reduce all risks by having your blepharoplasty performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon. In New York City, your best choice is Dr. David Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery. With many years of experience, Dr. Shokrian provides advanced, focused solutions that address your requirements.
What Are the Stages of Recovery after a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty surgery’s recovery process consists of three stages, each with its own symptoms and precautions. While you can expect some pain, swelling and bruising around your eyes for a few days after the procedure, these conditions are common and usually mild. Even blurry vision after a blepharoplasty isn’t anything to worry about, as long as it corrects itself in time.
The stages of recovery include:
- Day 4 to 14: The early and intermediate recovery period. Around this time, any bruising and swelling start to ease, but it’s still noticeable. During days 5 to 7, the stitches are taken out if they aren’t dissolvable. A significant reduction in the bruises and swelling happens in the second week.
- Week 3 and 4: Advanced recovery. By this point, the majority of the swelling and bruises have ended, and your eyes begin to look normal. You can expect that your eyes appear more swollen in the mornings.
- Month 2 and beyond: Full recovery. You start to realize the benefits of blepharoplasty after about a month. The incisions gradually disappear, any residual swelling subsides and you’re able to resume most of your regular social activities.
You may be advised to take oral painkillers, such as over-the-counter acetaminophen. During recovery, avoid any physical activities that increase your blood pressure because that puts a strain on your eyes. Follow all the post-op instructions from Dr. Shokrian.
Your recovery process depends on such other factors as:
- The area covered in the procedure
- The bruising and swelling you’ve experienced
- Whether you combined eyelid surgery with any other treatment
- Your body’s natural healing ability, which is inhibited if you smoke cigarettes
What Post-Operative Care Instructions Should I Follow?
An experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Shokrian lists what activities you’re able to participate in after surgery. He also explains what activities to avoid. Following his post-op guidelines ensures a speedy recovery.
The instructions to pay attention to depend on your recovery stage:
- Immediate post-op care. During the first week, your instructions include which pain relievers and antibiotics to use as needed. You’re directed to apply cold compresses daily. Keep the incisions clean and dry. You may be advised to apply lubricating ointments and wear a light gauze patch over your eyes. Reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated when sleeping. Rest during this period is essential, so while you shouldn’t be bedridden, avoid straining yourself.
- Early recovery. At this time, your doctor gives you fewer activity restrictions. You should still avoid vigorous activities, such as heavy lifting or repeatedly bending over, as they can raise the pressure in your eyes. Avoid swimming and avoid exposing your eyes to dust or smoke, which may irritate them. Also, limit the time you spend staring at screens large and small.
- Long-term recovery. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. When you’re outside, protect your eyes with sunglasses. Perform scar management with prescribed medications, as directed. Your scars may need up to a year to completely disappear.
Having blepharoplasty done on both eyes at the same time delivers an attractive aesthetic look and complete coverage. It’s also easier for your surgeon to create symmetry when doing both eyes at the same time. A bilateral surgery may produce more swelling, which is normal, but then you only have to go through the recovery process once. Talk to a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery in New York City before you decide to have blepharoplasty.
What Else Should I Know about the Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Like other types of cosmetic surgery, blepharoplasty has a risk of side effects that include swelling, discomfort, scarring, dryness, infection and asymmetry. Most of these complications are easily treated if your doctor catches them early, which is another reason to follow all post-op instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. You can reduce the risks by relying on the expertise of a leading plastic surgeon in NYC, such as Dr. Shokrian.
Blepharoplasty offers numerous benefits, including rejuvenating your appearance by reducing sagging or puffing eyelids, making you look more youthful. The procedure improves your peripheral vision because it removes extra eyelid tissue that blocked your vision. Your combined surgery in NYC may cost between $6,000 and $12,000 or sometimes more.
Your pricing depends on other factors, such as:
- Anesthesia costs
- Your medical insurance and the reason for your procedure
- The price of combined cosmetic procedures
- Facility fees, which may cost extra
Say goodbye to droopy eye lids and transform your gaze with the help of Dr Shokrian at Millennial Plastic Surgery in New York City. You can trust him to help you achieve natural results. Schedule your free consultation with him. Contact Dr. Shokrian today.