If you’re interested in a surgical procedure, you’ll need to be aware of what’s involved in recovery. Recovery after eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty) is very important, as it helps the body heal and reduces the risk of complications.
So, what is blepharoplasty? Eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty) involves making incisions carefully in the crease of the (upper) eyelid, or in the (lower) lash line. This is done carefully by a specialist plastic surgeon, such as those who operate at Rodin Clinic in Perth. The surgeon then removes any excess tissue, such as skin and fat tissue, from the eyelids in order to target cosmetic issues.
In addition to cosmetically altering the appearance of the eyelids, the surgery can help to improve eyelid function. This depends on the extent of the excess tissue and what the patient hopes to achieve from their surgery.
Every surgery comes with a recovery process. This is a period of time during which the patient must rest and take care of themselves to give the body time to heal after an invasive procedure. Eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty) is no different. Read on to learn more about the different stages of recovery and what you can expect.
Preparation before surgery
A big part of recovering after blepharoplasty is actually the preparation you do beforehand. Being prepared helps patients remove any stress after surgery, giving them more time to relax and heal.
Preparing for blepharoplasty eyelid reduction surgery typically involves:
- Consulting with a specialist plastic surgeon about your needs
- Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet
- Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol (at least for a period of time)
- Organising to take time away from work and other duties
- Organising for someone to drive you home after surgery and support you in the initial recovery
- Discussing the risks and possible complications with your surgeon
An experienced surgeon can advise future patients on how to prepare, taking into account the individual’s own risk factors, circumstances, and procedure details. Now, let’s look at some of the recovery steps after blepharoplasty surgery…
Stages of recovery from eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty)
First one to two days
After you get eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty), you may have some swelling, bruising, and temporary pain. You might also have other side effects, such as blurry vision, and you will likely have dressings covering the targeted site to protect the area. Any discomfort can be well managed with pain medication, as per the advice of your surgeon.
When it comes to recovery, you should have somebody to support you in the initial stages of healing – this person can drive you home and help you with basic chores around the house. To help reduce any swelling and discomfort, you will need to sleep with your head elevated by using extra pillows. Ensure that you let your eyes rest and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Additionally, getting enough rest is important in the first few days to help give your body time to adjust and recover.
After one week
One week after eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty), the swelling should begin to subside, along with any residual discomfort. However, some side effects and swelling may still be present. You might also experience some sensitivity and tenderness around the eyes.
At this stage, you should still avoid any strenuous exercise or activities that could put a strain on your eyes.
After four to six weeks
You should gradually begin to see the results of your surgery. It may still take time for the swelling to completely subside around the sensitive eye area, and you should still avoid activities that require lifting or straining. Make sure that you wear eye protection (sunglasses) when going outside.
It’s important to remember that everyone heals differently, and it can take time and patience to see the full results. Surgeons operating at Rodin Clinic aim to support patients through their surgery and recovery and can help you with any concerns or further questions.
Other general recovery tips:
In order to help your body heal properly after eyelid reduction surgery (blepharoplasty), here are some general recovery tips:
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the duration of your recovery
- Avoid wearing makeup until your incisions have healed
- Resume light activity once you feel ready, being careful to not overexert yourself and follow your surgeon’s instructions
- Avoid watching television for a couple of days after surgery
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for several weeks
- Be prepared for side effects: irritation, discomfort, and swelling
- Consult your surgeon at Rodin Clinic if you notice any unusual or concerning symptoms
What scarring can I expect?
When we think about surgery recovery, we think about wound care, getting enough rest, and managing swelling. But what happens afterwards?
Scar management is an important aspect of post-surgery healing. In order to make these as unnoticeable as possible, surgeons aim to place the incisions carefully within the natural creases of the eyelids. The skill of a qualified surgeon, along with following all of the recovery instructions, helps to reduce the visibility of the scars. In addition, scars fade naturally with time.
However, be aware that scars never fully disappear, and there is a risk of poor or visible scarring. Make sure you are aware of the risks, and if scarring is a concern of yours, ensure that you discuss this with a skilled and understanding surgeon.
Choosing Rodin Clinic Perth for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Perth
Surgeons who operate at Rodin Clinic are attentive to each patient, providing individualised care and surgical advice. When seeking any type of plastic surgery, it is necessary to express your concerns, cosmetic desires, and motivations during your consultation. This way, you can ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page about what your procedure will involve.
Experienced surgeons at Rodin Clinic welcome any questions about eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) during a pre-surgery consultation. We can outline what you may expect from your procedure, including the possible benefits, results, and risks. Book your appointment with us at our clinic in Perth.