The area around the eyes, including the upper and lower eyelids, contribute substantially to the overall appearance of your face. However, aging, lifestyle, and even pollution can change the way your eyes look, making you appear more tired or old than you actually are.
Eyelid lifts are a group of small surgical procedures designed to correct these issues and make your eyes brighter and fuller. In this post, we talk more about what an eyelid lift is and the recovery timeline associated with it.
What is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift is a type of surgery that adjusts the shape and appearance of the eyelids. Also called blepharoplasty, these procedures target upper eyelid-related issues, such as hooding, while others address lower eyelid issues, such as bags and discoloration. The goal of all Dr. Greenberg’s blepharoplasties is to make eyes brighter and wider so you look more youthful.
Eyelid Lift Recovery Timeline
Since an eyelid lift is a surgical procedure, you will need to commit yourself to a full recovery. Here’s what the recovery timeline typically looks like.
24 Hours Post-Op
In the first 24 hours after the operation, you may notice some side-effects of surgery, including blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision, and soreness around the eyes. Swelling and bruising can be intense at this stage, so Dr. Greenberg may instruct you to apply ice packs regularly and apply cleansing eye drops.
2 To 7 Days Post-Op
During days 2 to 7 post-op, your eyes will remain sore and you may need to take painkillers prescribed by Dr. Greenberg. You should refrain from any strenuous activity during this period. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes. If you go outside, you should protect your eyes from the wind and sun with UV-filtering glasses. When sleeping, make sure that you keep your head raised to allow drainage of any swelling and avoid direct pressure on the site of surgery.
7+ Days Post-Op
After around a week or so, the pain, swelling, and inflammation from the operation should begin to subside. By day fourteen, almost all swelling should be gone and you will be able to see the shape that your eyes will take. Once the swelling dies down, you can resume your regular schedule, including vigorous exercise. Scars from surgical cuts will continue to fade over the following months, taking on the same color as your regular skin.
Am I a Candidate for an Eyelid Lift?
Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty at Winter Park Plastic Surgery are:
- Patients with bags under their eyes
- Patients with drooping or “hooded” upper eyelids
- Patients who want to look less tired all the time
- Patients who want brighter, fuller eyes
Candidates for surgery should:
- Quit smoking several weeks before the operation
- Arrange for somebody to drive them home and take care of them post-op for at least the first night
- Stop taking certain drugs, such as warfarin, ibuprofen, and aspirin before and after the operation, according to Dr. Greenberg’s instructions
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about what you can expect from eyelid lift surgery? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137