Lower and Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

The eye area is one of the areas that bear the earliest and most obvious signs of aging. For this reason, over time, sagging upper eyelids and bagging lower eyelids can both create an aesthetically disturbing appearance and in some cases may restrict the field of vision. At this point, the upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure comes into play. However, in order to achieve an aesthetically satisfactory result, not only the operation itself, but also the healing process afterwards is of great importance. In this article, we discuss step by step what awaits you in the healing process after upper and lower blepharoplasty, what can be experienced in which stages and what you should pay attention to in order to make the process more comfortable. we wish you all good reading and healthy days in advance.

Immediate Post-Surgery: 1-3 Days

The 1-3 days immediately after surgery is the most sensitive period of the upper and lower blepharoplasty healing process. During this period, there may be significant swelling, bruising and mild pain in the eyelids. This is the body’s natural healing response and is usually not a cause for concern. In addition, there may be complaints such as temporary blurriness, stinging or mild watering in the eyes

Since the eye area will be very sensitive, especially in the first 48 hours, cold compress applications are recommended to reduce swelling and relieve pain. At the same time, not straining the eyes, lying with the head elevated and taking care to rest increase the speed of recovery. In addition, antibiotic pomades or eye drops prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly and smoking, alcohol consumption and blood thinners should be avoided. Otherwise, the desired results of the surgery will not be achieved. Since these first few days form the basis of both physical and aesthetic recovery, it is very important to carefully follow the recommended care instructions.

First Week: 4-7 Days

During this period, the healing process after blepharoplasty slowly starts to progress visibly. For this reason, swelling and bruises can usually reach the most prominent level during this period. But then it gradually decreases. Color changes, especially in the lower eyelids, may begin to turn yellowish tones. This indicates that the bruises begin to resolve. In addition to all these, pain is usually minimal and most patients can go through the day without the need for painkillers. The stitches are removed between the 5th and 7th day. With the removal of the stitches, the feeling of tension in the eyelids also decreases.

Since the eye area is still sensitive, it is important to avoid sunlight, make-up and rubbing the eyes during this period. Instead, low-paced activities such as light walks can be done; however, movements that increase blood pressure such as bending and heavy lifting should be avoided. By the end of the first week, most patients are able to feel more comfortable in social situations, but the process needs to be followed patiently for complete recovery.

Weeks 2-3: Subtle Changes

The 2nd and 3rd weeks after blepharoplasty is a period when more subtle and aesthetic changes in the healing process begin to be noticed. During this period, most of the swelling and bruises have decreased and the skin tones have started to return to normal. In addition, while the feeling of tension in the eyelids is replaced by a more natural feeling, relaxation in mimic movements can be observed. In addition, stitch marks may still be slightly red during these weeks, but their prominence decreases day by day. The skin tissues gradually begin to settle and the eye area begins to take on a smoother, rejuvenated appearance.

It can now be considered safe to wear make-up in most cases. However, it should not be forgotten that it should not be started without a doctor’s approval. For lens wearers, reuse may also be possible during this period. There is usually no obstacle to light exercises and returning to daily routine, but intense physical activities and environments that carry a risk of infection, such as swimming, should be avoided. Since this period is a transition period in which the person can return to social life with more self-confidence, but also needs to pay more attention to skin care, care should be taken.

Weeks 4-6: Final Healing Stages

Weeks 4-6 after blepharoplasty is a period when the final stages of the healing process are experienced and the eyelids almost completely regain their natural appearance. In this process, swelling is largely gone and bruises disappear completely. Thus, the eye area now exhibits a smoother, younger and rested appearance. In addition, although the tissues under the skin do not heal completely, aesthetically significant results are clearly noticeable in these weeks. The stitch marks may still be slightly pinkish, but they are easily concealable with makeup and will continue to fade over time.

Since the sensitivity in the eyes will be mostly gone, patients can now easily return to their normal make-up routines, lens use and work life. The use of moisturizer and sunscreen suitable for the eye area should not be neglected during this period. In addition, activities such as intense physical exercises, sea and pool activities can be done. However, the surgeon’s recommendations should always be followed.

In general, the 4-6 week period is a phase in which the healing is nearing completion, providing a great deal of satisfaction in terms of both aesthetic appearance and functionality. However, since the skin structure and healing time may differ in some individuals, observations during this period may vary from person to person.

For more detailed information about blepharoplasty, you can also visit our blog post: Blepharoplasty for Hooded Eyes.

Additional Advice for Managing Swelling and Long Term Healing Process

🧊 You can apply ice therapy regularly in the first 48 hours. However, while doing this, take care to do it for 10-15 minutes every hour.
🛏️ Make sure your head is elevated when you sleep. This will help the swelling around your eyes to go down more quickly.
🚫Since excessively salty foods can cause fluid retention and swelling in the body, stop using salt as much as possible.
By taking walks 🚶‍♀️Hafif, you can increase blood circulation and speed up healing at the same time.
💧 Drink plenty of water to contribute to the faster resolution of edema in the body. Thus, edema will pass in a short time.
☕Caffeine and alcohol consumption should definitely be avoided during this period. Because such caffeine-containing liquids can disrupt the fluid balance in the body.
🌞 Use sunscreen containing SPF 30+ around the eyes or never neglect to wear a hat. In this way, you can reduce the scars around the eyes.
🧴 Always choose a suitable eye contour cream with a doctor’s recommendation. In this way, you will get rid of the scars faster.
⏳ Take care to be patient, as it may take 3-6 months for the scars to fade and the skin tissue to settle completely.
🧼Keeping the eye area clean reduces the risk of infection. For this reason, pay attention to your eye hygiene as much as possible.
🚭Smoking delays skin healing and can worsen scars. Therefore, avoid smoking as much as possible.👨‍⚕️Be careful not to miss check-up appointments. This will allow you to recognize situations that require early intervention during the healing process.
🧘 Stress can slow down the healing process indirectly. For this reason, focus on methods such as meditation and breathing exercises.

For more information about blepharoplasty operations and to have this procedure in Turkey, you can visit our Blepharoplasty Turkey page.