Surgical Procedures - Facial Surgery

EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Recovery: what you can expect after your eyelid surgery.

After eyelid surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply an ice pack. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off. However, you should feel no significant discomfort. If you do medication can reduce it. Severe or persistent pain should be reported to your surgeon immediately.

For a couple of days following your cosmetic eyelid surgery you may be asked to keep your head elevated and as still as possible. Using cold compresses reduces swelling and bruising. Bruising from your cosmetic eyelid surgery varies from person to person: it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts up to two weeks.

Healing takes time. Your eyelid surgery scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more. Eventually, however, they will fade to a nearly invisible white line. Your more alert and youthful look will, in almost all cases, last for years.

Hurlingham Clinic and Spa's special post-operative facial surgery care.

Post-operative care of your eyelid plastic surgery is a key part of the Hurlingham Clinic and Spa method. Ask your surgeon about spa services.

Short term side affects of cosmetic eyelid surgery.

You will be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be extra sticky for a week or so after your eyelid surgery. Your eyelids may also feel dry at first and burn or itch but eye drops can help.

Reading and watching television will be possible two or three days after your eyelid surgery. You won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, however, and even then they may feel uncomfortable.

For the first few weeks following your eyelid plastic surgery you may experience excessive tear production, light sensitivity, and temporary eyesight changes such as blurring or double vision. Your surgeon will follow your progress very closely, removing the stitches about five days after your eyelid surgery. Once they've gone, any swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

Getting back to your normal routine after your cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Most people are ready to go out and return to work a week or 10 days after their cosmetic eyelid surgery. By then makeup will be able to hide any bruising that remains. You may remain sensitive to sun, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids when outside.

You should keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days following your eyelid plastic surgery, and avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks, particularly anything that could raise your blood pressure, including sexual relations, heavy work and vigorous sports. You may also have to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.