Try to take only liquids or soft foods during the first 24 hours after surgery, and then increase your diet to normal as tolerated. Avoid very hot liquids and foods as these may cause bleeding. Try to keep your surgical area clean and dry.
As with any diet, fruits and vegetables are recommended, especially dark leafy greens. Other good foods include red onions, broccoli, pineapples and apples, and capers to decrease swelling faster. These provide your body with essential vitamins to help you heal and fight infection. Omega-3 fats.
Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports. Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks. Read or watch television after 2-3 days. Return to work in 10-14 days.
It is recommended to not drink coffee and other caffeinated beverages for the first few days after eyelid surgery.
Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein. Make sure you incorporate some into each meal to allow your bones and muscles to rebuild and help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off infection.
High-fat and processed red meat, butter, whole milk and cheese that has a lot of saturated fat, which can cause inflammation if you get more than a small amount each day. Food with Trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) raise LDL (the bad cholesterol) which also causes inflammation.
Sodium can increase your chances of post-operative swelling, which in turn can increase the recovery time. For two days before surgery and two weeks after, it is recommended to consume no more than 1500mg sodium daily to help maintain a healthy healing process.
The eyelids are naturally delicate and even more so after surgery. Avoid rubbing them, pressing on them or performing any other activity that stretches or puts pressure on them. Be gentle when washing your face or showering, and avoid getting them wet.
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. Contrastingly, people who get upper and lower eyelid surgery feel they need two full weeks to dedicate to their recovery.
An adult should stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort. It is easier to prevent pain than control it.
However, carbohydrates give our body enough energy and help in the body's repair capacity after any surgery. Following LASIK surgery, you should have these nutritious carbs: Bananas. Oats.
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. This may depend on your job and how you feel about people knowing about your surgery.
Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
Pineapple and papaya are known to reduce swelling and inflammation because they contain protease enzymes that the body uses to digest proteins. Consuming pineapple and papaya after surgery will help offset the swelling that may occur after surgery.
Drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day during recovery is recommended by doctors to ensure optimal health after surgery. Many patients also opt to drink sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade for added electrolytes.
Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that can help restore gut health after antibiotics and surgery. Yogurt is also easy to tolerate; it is unlikely to cause nausea or vomiting after surgery. And it contains zinc and protein, two nutrients that promote healing.
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.
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.
Full blepharoplasty recovery time typically takes about 3 months but you can expect to get back to your normal routine after 2-3 weeks of healing.