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Are you considering eyelid surgery? Perhaps you’ve already had a preliminary consultation and are deciding on scheduling the procedure. One component which may be a bit scary is thinking about the recovery process. All surgery brings concern, but when it’s on the face, and especially around the eyes, it may carry more apprehension than most operations.

But relax. Not only is blepharoplasty a safe and effective procedure to rejuvenate eye appearance and make you look younger and more alert, but the recovery is also less involved than you may think. Here are a few essential tips which will help you experience a speedy recovery.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

After your operation, your surgical team will provide you with detailed instructions on what to do, what not to do, and what to look for. These directives include your medication intake, any symptoms you need to report, and proper care for the incisions and your eyes. Make sure this document is accessible at all times to yourself and those who are helping with your care at home.

Staycation

If you work, take some time off. You need to avoid moving around so much while you heal. The bruising and swelling will subside after a week or two, so you can plan around this when you put in for your staycation. Complete healing will take a few months, however, so if you have a lot to do at home like caring for your kids or pets, you might want to lean on a friend or family member after surgery.

Apply Cold Compresses

Bruising and swelling is a common effect after any surgery, and with blepharoplasty, there is no difference. You will look like you went a couple of rounds with someone and lost, with black eyes for a week or two. Cold compresses or ice packs will relieve not only the swelling but help with any discomfort as well. On the day of your surgery, apply ice packs for ten minutes every hour. On the days following surgery, you can reduce this practice to three or four times each day. Continue applying cold compresses until the swelling subsides. Place a towel between your skin and the ice to prevent freezer burns.

Don’t Forget About Us

Although we will miss you, the main reason to keep your appointments after your operation is to make sure the healing process is going well. We will schedule multiple follow up appointments, and we expect you to keep them. Dr. Livingston can monitor your progress and make sure the incisions are healing correctly, and there is no swelling or bruising, which is not normal.

Don’ts

After eyelid surgery, you should get plenty of rest so your eyelids can recover quickly. When you sleep or are relaxing, elevate your head above your heart. Here are some activities you should avoid until your recovery is complete.

• Stay out of direct sunlight
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen.
• Don’t lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk
• Don’t swim or submerge in water
• Avoid strenuous activities like aerobics, jogging, or anything that will increase your heart rate
• Don’t rub your eyes
• Don’t smoke

If you are looking to improve your eye’s appearance and look younger and more alert, it’s time to schedule a consultation with board-certified, Dr. Christopher Livingston today!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or call 281-501-1812