9 Tips to Speed Up Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery
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Posted on February 11, 2021 under Blepharoplasty
If you’re tired of looking tired, then eyelid surgery is one extremely beneficial surgical option. Sagging skin and fat pads around the eyes can contribute to a worn-out and aged look, even when you don’t feel like it. Through facial cosmetic surgery, the eyes can be rejuvenated for a youthful, energetic look. Here are 9 ways to boost your recovery period after eyelid surgery and get back to your normal schedule.
Prepare for Your Recovery
Although most people can resume their regular routine around 7 to 10 days after eyelid surgery, it’s important to ensure your best timeframe by preparing for your recovery. Everyone is different, so it may take you longer or shorter to heal. To speed your recovery, make sure to prepare some meals ahead of time, set up a recovery area with everything you’ll need to be comfortable, and arrange for a close friend or family member to care for kids or pets.
Follow Self-Care Instructions
Your facial plastic surgeon will give you instructions for your self-care after surgery. This may include using cold compresses, eye drops, and prescribed medications. Despite being a relatively quick and easy surgery, blepharoplasty can require some extra attention because of the sensitive nature of your eyes. Following these directions as best you can is the best way to get back on your feet soon.
Focus on the Long-Term
You won’t see immediate results from your surgery. However, all good things take time. Initially, you’ll have symptoms like puffiness, redness, bruising, and swelling, but these will fade over time. As you get to your second week of recovery, you should feel much more comfortable returning to your regular activities.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
After surgery, your eyes will be especially photosensitive. Even when inside, you may need to wear sunglasses for the first few days as your eyes adjust. Additionally, protecting your eyes from the sun, wind, and other elements is important. When you’re outside, wear dark sunglasses that completely cover your eyes. You can also wear a hat for added protection. Always wear sunscreen when out in the sun, but follow instructions from your plastic surgeon about applying it around your eyes.
Avoid Eye Strain
For at least the first week, you should avoid eye strain of any kind. That means you should forgo reading books, checking emails, or even watching too much TV. Straining your eyes can make them especially dry and more prone to itchiness – it’s extremely important not to itch! Consider listening to podcasts or audiobooks while you recover instead.
Get Plenty of Rest
When you get plenty of rest, you’re promoting good health, including for your eyes. However, you may feel more tired than usual during your recovery period – this can be caused by both your body’s recovery process and your eyes expending extra work to function and process. Take naps when you feel tired and avoid pushing yourself too hard.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
For the first two to four weeks following your eyelid surgery, it’s important to avoid overly strenuous activities. Too much activity can increase the blood flow to your eyes, which can impede your recovery and exacerbate swelling and bruising. Also, any added pressure on your head should be avoided, so take care when bending or lifting heavy items. You should also keep your head elevated while sleeping and try to avoid laying on your back.
Avoid Stress
Avoiding stress and work-related tasks can speed up your recovery. Stress hormones can make it more difficult for your body to heal, and it’s very important to get your rest. Count on taking time away from work and your busy lifestyle during your recovery and picking it back up within a week or two.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can adversely affect your health and impede your healing. If you’re a smoker, now is the time to quit. Your plastic surgeon will recommend you stop well in advance of your surgery date and can recommend ways to achieve your goal.
Schedule a Consultation
Eyelid surgery is an excellent way to refresh your look and feel like your best self. To learn more, meet with our team at Cosmetic Surgery Associates by calling or filling out our online form.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
