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Surgeon performing blepharoplasty operation
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A surgery performed on eyelids, blepharoplasty removes excess muscle, skin, and fat to help eyes appear more youthful and eliminate any vision problems caused by sagging skin around the eyes. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting and patients are usually able to return home the same day as their surgery. Since the procedure does cause blurry vision, itchy eyes, or light sensitivity, patients must find someone to drive them home. These symptoms should disappear after about 24 hours.
For the next several days, patients who underwent a blepharoplasty should avoid excessive physical activity and sleep with their head elevated. They should focus on eating soft foods, such as well-cooked vegetables and yogurt, and avoid bending at the waist. During this time, it’s not unusual for the eyelids to be swollen or bruised. Placing an ice pack on the eyes every day helps keep swelling to a minimum.
After a week or two has passed, patients can return to work and start wearing contacts again. Strenuous exercise and bending are usually permitted at this point, but it’s best to consult with a doctor first. Light makeup can also be worn two weeks after the procedure. While swelling and discomfort around the eyes largely disappear by this point, it does take one to three months before the effects of blepharoplasty are fully realized.
