Eyelid surgery, commonly called blepharoplasty, is surgery to reshape or remove extra skin and fat around your eyes. It can be done on both upper and lower eyelids to remove excess skin, eliminate sags and wrinkles, and to help enhance your facial features.
As any eye surgery recovery process will impact your day to day life, it’s important to know what to expect so that you’re able to prepare properly. To make the most of your recovery time and ensure optimal results, here are five tips for healing after receiving treatment for droopy eyelids:
- Use Ice Packs
- Protect Your Eyelids With Sunglasses
- Don’t Smoke or Drink
- Avoid Intense Activity
- Get Plenty of Rest
Considering eyelid surgery? Contact TN Oculoplastics today to learn more about our services.
Use Ice Packs
The first three days after surgery are crucial to recovery. Use ice packs and take pain medicine to minimize swelling and bruising. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely as you recover.
Swelling is one of the most common side effects and occurs due to a reaction of the body’s blood vessel walls to the pressure and trauma of surgery. The eye can feel tight and hot around two to three days after surgery and sometimes minor bruising occurs. Ice packs will help minimize this discomfort, but prescribed or recommended over the counter pain medications can help with the healing process. It’s recommended not to take aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve (naproxen) as these can increase bleeding risks during your recovery period. You should also avoid taking supplements like fish oil, Vitamin E, or cranberry extract as they may also make you more susceptible to bleeding as you recover from surgery.
Protect Your Eyelids With Sunglasses
Sunglasses are the best protection for your eyes during recovery from surgery as the sun’s harmful UV rays and wind can cause the edges of scars to stretch and darken. Wearing sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the elements when you’re participating in any activity where there is direct sunlight and or wind. You should also wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent further skin damage, especially after you complete treatment.
Don’t Smoke Or Drink
To get the best results from your cosmetic procedure, you need to be in the best shape possible. You should steer clear of smoking and alcohol. Smoking has been shown to delay wound healing and increase your risk of complications during surgery. Nicotine found in cigarettes can delay wound healing, impede scar reduction, increase your risk of infection and permanently damage some smaller blood vessels.
Alcohol will dehydrate you and can slow down your recovery process from surgery. Drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, increase your risk of swelling, and prolong the recovery process. Alcohol thins the blood, which can lead to bleeding and the potential for infection. If you currently smoke or drink, we recommend stopping at least two weeks prior to surgery
Avoid Intense Activity
The first few days after surgery ultimately set the tone for the rest of your healing process, so concentrate on starting your recovery with a strong foundation to optimize success.To reduce the risk of postoperative complications, it’s important to take supervisory measures. Avoid physical exertion. Too much activity can strain or stress your body, increasing blood flow to your eyes, which can cause bleeding. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is simply by avoiding lifting heavy things or performing any aerobics, intensive exercise, or sports that may physically stress your body for a few weeks after surgery.
Get Plenty Of Rest
Recovery from blepharoplasty involves getting plenty of rest. This applies not only to your body but also to your eyes, since healing requires lots of energy. Get naps whenever possible and take a good night’s sleep. It’s best to sleep in an elevated position to help reduce swelling and prevent accumulation of fluids in incision sites.
Recovery time is different for everyone and there will be aspects of your recovery that can’t really be predicted. The best thing you can do is to make smart choices, listen to what your body says, and take care of yourself. Go to bed early and take naps when you need them. Rest your eyes as much as possible by wearing sunglasses if needed. Take it easy on yourself but don’t ignore any worrying symptoms. And always follow the doctor’s instructions for post-operative care!
Considering Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is a common procedure, but it’s one that you should seriously consider if your eyelids or lashes are an issue. With the right preparation, you can recover quickly and be on your way to enjoying all of the benefits of a smooth, rested look.
Contact TN Oculoplastics today to learn more about our services.