Learn Our Eyelid Surgery Recovery Tips for Quick Healing
Are puffy, wrinkled, or droopy eyelids making you look older? Dr. Stuart Baker can revitalize your eyes with eyelid surgery, a plastic surgery procedure that can smooth your skin and remove unwanted tissue. This relatively simple procedure usually requires just local anesthesia and we perform it on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. The surgery itself is just one step on your journey to brighter, more youthful eyes. After your procedure, you’ll need to follow Dr. Baker’s post-operative instructions and take care of your eyes so that your tissues can heal properly. We are dedicated to helping all patients at our Decatur plastic surgery practice enjoy excellent results, so we’ve provided our eyelid surgery recovery tips below.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
Your eyes may be light sensitive and appear red at the incision sites for three to four days after your procedure. Your eyelids and surrounding tissue may remain bruised and swollen for one to two weeks. Dr. Baker will prescribe painkillers for you to take as needed, but most patients do not experience much discomfort following eyelid surgery. You should be able to return to regular activity in about ten days.
Make Proper Preparations
One of the best ways to speed your healing is to make proper arrangements before your eyelid surgery so that you can focus on your recovery when you return home. Prior to your procedure, you should:
- Make sure you have ice packs to place over your eyes and reduce swelling.
- Purchase comfortable, loose-fitting, buttoned shirts that you can easily put on without disturbing your face.
- Pick up any necessary prescriptions, such as painkillers, antibiotics, or medicated eye drops.
- Ask for time off of work (plan for at least ten days to heal).
- Arrange for a friend or family member to take care of your home and children. It may also be a good idea to ask this person or another loved one to help care for you and help you recover for several days after your eyelid surgery.
- Cook and freeze meals so you do not have to prepare food while you heal.
- Wash your towels, linens, blankets, and washcloths so that they will be clean and sterile upon your return from surgery.
- Ensure that you (and any caretakers) understand all of Dr. Baker’s post-operative directions.
Report Abnormal Symptoms to Our Office
While rare, eyelid surgery can result in complications such as fluid accumulation, excessive bleeding, or infection. If you experience continuing discomfort, have green or yellow discharge from your eyes, develop a fever, have difficulty breathing, notice dramatic changes in your vision, or feel chest pains, contact our office immediately for assistance.
Take it Easy
Resting is important after eyelid surgery, especially because your eyes may strain easily as they adapt to their new shape. Working on the computer, watching television, or wearing your contacts may cause your eyes to tire or become dry, so you should limit these activities as much as possible. You should take naps and make sure to get plenty of sleep. You will need to keep your head elevated with pillows or sleep in a comfortable chair to minimize swelling. You should avoid bending over or engaging in strenuous activity for two to four weeks, depending on Dr. Baker’s instructions.
Attend Follow-up Appointments
You will most likely return to our office three or four days after your procedure so that Dr. Baker can monitor your recovery and remove your stitches. If he is concerned about any of your symptoms or notices anything unusual during your examination, he may have you return for a second follow-up appointment.
Maintain a Positive Outlook
While you may feel tired, upset, or uncomfortable in the days following your procedure, keep in mind that this relatively brief recovery period will allow you to enjoy more youthful, attractive eyes and perhaps even improve your vision.
Enjoy Brighter, More Beautiful Eyes
Dr. Baker and our team at The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™ would love to help you rejuvenate your face with an eyelid lift. If you’d like to learn more about this procedure or how it may benefit you, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.