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Posted on March 19, 2021 in Eyelid Surgery
After your eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, you can expect common symptoms including swelling, redness, and some discomfort and a healing period of about two weeks. There are a few steps that every patient should take to make sure they are comfortable and heal well throughout the recovery period. Below, read what you should know about caring for yourself after blepharoplasty.
The First 24 Hours after Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient surgery, meaning you can return home the same day. You should have a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after surgery. It’s best to wear dark sunglasses on your drive home from blepharoplasty, because sensitivity to light is common.
After your surgery, ointment is applied to the eye area. This can make vision blurry, but it should clear within about 24 hours. Cold compresses and saline eye drops can be very helpful to the healing process, especially in the first 24 hours after your surgery. To make a cold compress, apply cold, sterile saline solution to sterile gauze pads and gently apply them to the eyes every 10-15 minutes. Eye drops can be applied every four hours and are especially helpful to relieve blurry vision from any ointment in the early stages after your surgery. Remember to take any medication prescribed to you as directed by Dr. Ransom.
The Two Weeks after Blepharoplasty
Usually, blepharoplasty patients require one to two weeks of downtime after surgery to rest and recover. During this time, follow any instructions from Dr. Ransom carefully. This includes avoiding bending at the waist, lifting heavy objects, and exercising.
During the first week after blepharoplasty, patients are advised to eat soft, nutritious foods such as yogurt, well-cooked vegetables, fruits, and soft breads or pastas. Prioritize rest as much as possible, and keep your head elevated even while sleeping. This helps to reduce swelling. You may shower, but only from the neck down for at least five days after your procedure.
During the first two weeks after your surgery, you should avoid wearing contact lenses. It is also important to avoid applying makeup or creams to the eye area for at least two weeks.
After blepharoplasty, you can expect swelling to last for at least two weeks before subsiding. Dr. Ransom will remove your sutures between two and seven days after your surgery.
When to Call Dr. Ransom after Blepharoplasty
Dr. Ransom will monitor your healing during scheduled follow-up appointments. However, you should call him if you have concerning symptoms, which include:
- Fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Vomiting or Nausea
- Shaking or chills
- Increasing pain, swelling, or redness
- Shortness of breath
- Continuous draining from sutures
- Separation of sutures
These symptoms are not common but should be taken seriously if you experience them. Following Dr. Ransom’s instructions and advice carefully through your recovery can help you avoid complications.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ransom. Call Ransom/MD in San Francisco at (415) 877-6697 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.
