Refrain from strenuous exercise like running, jumping or aerobics (walking is fine). Also, be careful to avoid everyday activities such as lifting heavy items, bending over or lying flat, which can increase blood flow to your eyes or put pressure on your healing lids.
Some of the basics for eyelid care following surgery include cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to prevent dry eyes, and an ointment to keep them lubricated. You'll also need to have gauze in the house. If your incision oozes while it heals, you can dab it (don't rub!) with a sterile gauze.
You can generally expect to need between five and 10 days off from work. Usually, people who only get upper or lower blepharoplasty feel up to going back to work after just a week off.
Your eyes will grow tired more easily during the initial recovery period, which can make trying to read or watch TV particularly uncomfortable. You might notice that your vision is a bit blurry or that your eyes tear up easily.
Avoid bending at the waist or lifting items heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) for 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. Talk with your surgeon before going back to your usual activities, such as lifting and exercise.
You'll be able to apply makeup a few days after the procedure and, within 7 to 10 days, can resume your normal daily activities. After two weeks, you'll be able to enjoy your results, and by six months, you will look completely healed.
It is important to avoid straining your eyes during the recovery process. 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.
Also, be careful to avoid everyday activities such as lifting heavy items, bending over or lying flat, which can increase blood flow to your eyes or put pressure on your healing lids.
2 Weeks Post Eyelid Surgery
You will be able to return back to work two weeks after the surgery. The two week's break gives you plenty of time to rest and recover. Avoid straining your eyes excessively for at least a month post-surgery; reading, watching TV/Phone can strain your eyes.
Good Nutrition: Fluids Are Critical Following Surgery. Stick To Non-carbonated, Non-alcoholic, Caffeine-free And Green Tea-free Beverages Including Fruit Juices And Water, Milk And Yogurt Drinks.
Keep your head above your heart at all times for at least the first month after your eyelid surgery. You can use multiple pillows or get a wedge pillow for the recovery period. Some people even opt to sleep in their recliner for the first week or so until they get used to sleeping at an incline.
Light activity such as walking around the house is recommended. It will help with blood circulation and promote healing. Stay clear of heavy lifting and all sorts of strenuous activities during the first week of the recovery. You can return to your desk-type job within 72 hours.
It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful. It may swell and bruise a lot, but it is not very painful. Many of my patients don't even take any narcotics after surgery. They only take acetaminophen or Tylenol.
After 24 hours and if you don't feel sick to you stomach, you can eat soft, regular food. Avoid hot/spicy foods for at least 1 week after surgery. Adults should not drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
For three to four weeks after blepharoplasty, you should avoid lifting, bending and crying, to avoid irritation to your eyes. You should also not exercise or play sport during this time, as this increases blood flow to the area which can impede the healing process.
Other instructions for 24-48 hours after surgery:
You may shower 24 hours after surgery. (Incision may get wet in the shower but do not constantly have the shower water run directly on the incision.) o Blot dry the incisions after your shower.
Lack of full eyelid closure after blepharoplasty can be very challenging and physically uncomfortable. Sleeping and bathing can be difficult and the eyes may feel constantly dry and irritated. There is also a heightened risk of corneal irritation due to exposure of the cornea.
If you are planning to have eyelid surgery, you may be worried about your vision being impaired. While this is true for some people, most patients find that their eyesight is only affected for a few days after surgery. In fact, the blurry vision usually clears up within a few hours of surgery.
Swelling in the eyelids is very normal, to the point that your eyes may feel hard to open. The swelling actually peaks at 24-48 hours after surgery and will then begin to decrease. You can sleep with your head slightly propped up to help the swelling drain down your face.
The results of a blepharoplasty can be dramatic – in some cases, a slight change in eye shape is observed. When the eyelid has been weighed down with excess or wrinkled skin, the eyes can appear more closed or squinted, often causing you to look tired, angry, or upset.
Rounding of the Corners or Change in the Shape of Your Eyes
If you are concerned that your eyes may have changed shape after your initial blepharoplasty, you may be a candidate for revision eyelid surgery. Sometimes, this change in the shape of your eyes after surgery can be due to the positioning of the lower eyelids.
It cannot make your eyes bigger than they naturally are, but by removing excess skin and fat, it can make them appear larger. It will rejuvenate your eyes and give you the youthful look you've been dreaming of.
Do not drink alcohol for 10 days after eyelid surgery or while you are taking pain medication. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could increase bleeding. The combination of pain medication and alcohol is dangerous. You may drive a car with power steering after one week.