You'll need to wait several weeks before resuming eye makeup use after blepharoplasty. For the first couple of weeks, your eyes will be sensitive and makeup use isn't ideal. Generally, patients can start wearing eye makeup two to three weeks after surgery.
Usually, you'll want to wait a bit longer after the surgery before you start wearing real eye makeup, such as mascara or eyeshadow. Your situation may be different, but it's often recommended that you wait about two weeks before putting on eye makeup after your surgery.
Take Care in Applying and Removing Makeup
Use a light touch when using makeup after eyelid surgery — apply as little product as possible and be gentle in how you apply and remove it. Never pull the eyelids and avoid excessive pressure on the skin around your eyes when applying makeup or when washing it off.
The best way to hide any bruising or swelling after your eyelid surgery is to wear your favorite sunglasses. These shades will be more than a fashion statement. They will protect your wounds from the sun and conceal any after-effects visible during the initial stage of your recovery.
' We advise patients not to wear any mascara, eye makeup, under-eye concealer or eye creams for at least one week after cataract surgery. It's also important to avoid using make-up applicators like brushes and sponges near your eyes, as they can contain harmful bacteria.
How long after eyelid surgery can you wear makeup? I advise my patients to wait for a full recovery to start wearing makeup again. This will take at least 10 days; however, it's safest to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before wearing eye makeup so your incisions can completely heal.
We advise allowing your incisions to heal fully before you resume applying makeup, which can take up to two to three weeks. Though you will likely return to work and other routine activities only a few days after your procedure, you can expect it to take a bit longer for the incisions to fully close.
Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can correct those issues to restore a more rested and youthful appearance. It can also help make the eyes look "larger" by removing encroaching soft tissue from the corners. However, the actual shape of a person's eye is not changed with this procedure.
Your eyes may look swollen and bruised after your surgery. The eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will get better during the day as you sit or walk around. You may also have swelling on your cheeks and jawline. This will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.
You may have gummy eyes for approximately 1 week. Your physician may recommend Natural Tears (OTC eyedrops) or Lacrilube (OTC ophthalmic ointment) as part of your post op treatment. For the first few weeks, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and double or blurred vision.
3-7 days after: Eyes can begin being washed gently with water and soap.
Slight Changes May Occur. For patients with hooded eyelids, a blepharoplasty can create a smoother surface area on their eyelids, which can slightly change the appearance of the eyes and make them appear less sunken.
Surgery - done well - is supposed to restore the area to its former youthful flatness. However, as your face changes continually, so your eye bags can be back in full force 10 years later.
The eyes may look or feel quite different from one another in the days following surgery. This is normal; no two eyes in nature or following surgery are perfectly symmetrical.
Try to avoid reading, watching TV, or checking your email the week following your blepharoplasty. Instead, give your eyes a chance to rest. Avoid any other activities that can cause your eyes to dry up, too.
Walking is one of the best form of exercise after eyelid surgery. Walking in the initial phases of recovery can promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and lead to a smoother recovery. It will give you a surge of energy as well.
The eyes appear asymmetrical
Having mismatched or asymmetrical eyelids after blepharoplasty is a common mistake that can occur with Eye Lid surgery. It can occur due to the tissues having been over-excited – or simply due to natural changes in the way each eye responded to surgery or to healing processes.
1-2 Weeks After the Eyelid Surgery
You will still have puffiness and swelling around your eyes. It usually subsides within a period of two weeks. The incisions around the eyes will be pinkish-red in colour. Your eyelids will be numb for several days.
It takes a full 12 months for scars to fully mature, flatten and soften. The following videos are techniques Dr. Kolstad recommends for his patients during the recovery period. He typically recommends massaging the incisions 10-14 days after surgery and continuing them until the scars have softened.
Use a Scar-Reducing Cream or Ointment
Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of silicone-based creams in making scars less noticeable when used in the first few weeks after the wound has healed. Your doctor may also use silicone dressings on the incision as it is healing.
Bruising that is less intense can be covered up with a simple concealer product. To achieve optimal coverage, choose a concealer color opposite the color of your bruising, i.e. for redness use a green concealer and for purple bruising use a yellow concealer. Over this you can use normal makeup.
Post-operative swelling peaks at about 48-72 hours, and then subsides over the next few days. The majority of swelling after eyelid surgery will disappear in the first week, but small amounts may persist for 6 - 12 weeks during which subtle improvements in appearance will continue.
Hair Care:
You may wash your hair the day after surgery. Mild baby shampoo is recommended.