Recovering from Upper Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect

The first thing people look at is your eyes, so it’s normal to feel self-conscious about their appearance. By removing and tightening excess skin around the eye, your surgeon can make you look younger, more well-rested, and less stressed. Blepharoplasty can also treat sagging and drooping skin that covers your field of vision.  

At Ventura Eye Institute in Camarillo, California, our eye health specialists can assess the condition of your eyelids, the quality of the skin over your eyes, and whether sagging or drooping affects your vision. If blepharoplasty is indicated, we can perform your upper eyelid surgery.

The blepharoplasty procedure 

Blepharoplasty refers to surgery that changes the shape of the eyelids. During this minor eyelid procedure, your surgeon corrects saggy skin around the eyes, including under-eye bags, droopy lids, and deep wrinkles.

Eyelid surgery is typically performed for cosmetic reasons or to remove obstructions to your vision. It is common for the upper eyelid to droop, making it difficult to see. Regardless of why you’re undergoing a blepharoplasty, it’s important to prepare for recovery from your surgery.  

Recovering from eyelid surgery 

You will need a ride home following eyelid surgery, and you should plan at least two weeks of downtime in advance. This could mean using PTO or sick leave from work. You might have difficulty seeing the first few days, so having someone around to help you with regular daily tasks is a good idea. Refrain from driving until your vision is clear. 

Swelling, bruising, and mild inflammation are to be expected. As the area heals, you might experience dry eye and itching, but refrain from touching, scratching, or pressing on your eyes. We will prescribe pain relief, and you can use cold therapy to soothe the area. Call our office promptly if you experience severe pain, drainage, or crusting of your eyes.

It’s important that you use all the after-care products as recommended. We often provide eye drops and ointments to prevent infection and speed healing. Only use painkillers as prescribed; do not apply ice packs directly to your skin. 

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll need to switch to glasses until your eyes have healed. This can take about four weeks, so wait until you’ve received the all-clear to return to contacts. Your stitches should be finished healing within a few weeks, and your recovery will wrap up quickly once they’re removed. 

To learn more about the blepharoplasty procedure, schedule a consultation with the team at Ventura Eye Institute to discuss whether upper eyelid surgery is right for you. Just call the location closest to you or book an appointment online.