How Long Does It Take to Recover from Blepharoplasty?

The delicate skin around the eyes and eyelids is often the first to show signs of aging — from creases and wrinkles to sagging and heaviness — which can make a person appear much older than they actually are. While there are a number of nonsurgical eyelid treatments available today, there is no question that one of the most dramatic and long-lasting results can be achieved with a surgical eyelid lift, formally known as blepharoplasty. At L Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA, we offer advanced cosmetic eyelid surgery, in the form of upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, and Asian eyelid lift, to help men and women regain a more youthful look, and help restore self-esteem.

If you're like many people, you may have thought about getting eyelid surgery but have concerns about taking an extended period of time off work for recovery. In reality, blepharoplasty recovery is often quicker than people imagine — with most patients resuming the majority of their daily routines as soon as 1 – 2 weeks after surgery. Take a closer look at the timeline for eyelid lift recovery here.

What does blepharoplasty do?

Blepharoplasty is commonly referred to as an eyelid lift, and while the eyelids certainly can be lifted with this procedure, there are many other improvements that can be made to the area around the eyes as well. Depending on your specific concerns and goals, we may recommend an upper vs. lower blepharoplasty, or both. For patients of Asian ethnicity, we can also discuss the possibility of an Asian blepharoplasty to create a more defined upper eyelid crease. Generally speaking, some of the most common reasons to get blepharoplasty include:

• Hooded eyes
• Heavy upper eyelids
• Sagging eyelids
• Wrinkled eyelids
• Creased eyelids
• Droopy eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
• Puffy circles under the eyes
• Fat pads under the eyes

During the procedure, our experienced surgeon creates precise incisions within the lash line or beneath the lower eyelid to remove loose skin, tighten the skin, remove excess fat, and make other necessary enhancements to help you achieve your ideal outcome.

How long is recovery after eyelid lift surgery?

While each person's recovery time after eyelid surgery will vary based on the type of eyelid surgery performed, their adherence to postoperative guidelines, and other individual factors, most patients can expect their blepharoplasty recovery timeline to look something like the following:

• Right after surgery, patients should be driven home by a trusted loved one or friend to rest and sleep
• On days 1 – 3, patients can expect bruising and swelling, which can be managed with ice packs, medications, ointments, and other techniques as directed
• After the first week, the majority of bruising and swelling should have subsided
• Around days 10 – 14, most patients feel confident enough to return to work and other social activities, though strenuous physical activity will still be off limits
• Throughout months 1– 3, patients should notice a continuous improvement in their blepharoplasty results

Once you've healed after blepharoplasty surgery and been cleared for physical activity and other things — like swimming and wearing contacts — you can begin enjoying a smoother, more refreshed, more youthful look that can last for years or even decades to come.

Take years off your look with eyelid surgery in San Francisco, CA

Don't let wrinkled eyelids, hooded eyes, or under-eye bags weigh down your appearance or confidence any longer. Get started on transforming your look today by contacting our friendly team at L Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation for eyelid surgery.