How to Improve Your Blepharoplasty (Eyelid surgery) Recovery
January 17, 2024
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Blepharoplasty remains one of the best ways to rejuvenate the eyes and achieve a brighter, more awake look. It’s also an excellent anti-aging option for patients who are experiencing loose or hooded skin, eye bags, or dark rings around the eyes. If you’re curious about blepharoplasty, it’s important to know that the recovery process is somewhat unique from other facial plastic surgery procedures. Here are some of the most important things to know about ensuring a smooth and successful blepharoplasty recovery process with Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss, Vancouver’s premier plastic surgeon.
Eat and Drink Well, Avoid Supplements
We are often asked about the optimal diet in the perioperative period. As a rule of thumb, if you eat a balanced and healthy diet and have a normal immune system, no changes or supplements are required. If however, you are a vegan, vegetarian or you have an impaired immune system/healing concerns please make this known to Dr Tregaskiss who can then make specific recommendations. Be aware that many over-the-counter herbal supplements can thin the blood leading to increased bruising, swelling and a longer postoperative course. Typically, Dr Tregaskiss will insist on you stopping all non-essential supplements 1 month prior to your procedure date. It almost goes without saying that cigarette smoking or any form of nicotine use (vaping/gum/patches ect) in the perioperative period is a big NO! Nicotine has serious deleterious and long-lasting effects on wound healing that can jeopardize the results of your procedure.
Rest, Protect and Elevate
The mainstays of the recovery following eyelid surgery are rest, elevation and compression. Its imperative that after your procedure that you avoid any strenuous activity that may elevate your heart rate and blood pressure for at least 2 weeks. Failure to do so will result in excessive swelling bruising and downtime! Its also important to keep your head elevated (including in bed) at all times in the first week after surgery. Bending over, stooping or lying flat can and do increase swelling and bruising significantly. Immediately after the procedure Dr Tregaskiss will apply ice packs or cold compresses to the eyes and in select cases apply compression googles. Cold compresses are applied typically for up to 48 hr and compression googles worn intermittently for up to 2 weeks.
After blepharoplasty, expect to have temporary sensitivity in your eyes. This is especially the case if you have both upper and lower blepharoplasty. Where you might not normally have any problems using screens or watching TV, you might experience difficulties after surgery. Try to limit screen time and opt for listening to an audiobook or podcast instead.
In order to manage dryness and other side effects, our team will recommend appropriate eye drops to help you remain comfortable.
Be Patient
In the majority of cases after blepharoplasty, 80% of the swelling and bruising is gone within two weeks of the surgery. Therefore, in this two-week timeframe and possibly longer you may want to limit social events, arrange to work from home if possible, or take time off work completely and avoid anything other than light activities. Be patient, final results from eyelid surgery can take up to three months, but more typically are closer to 4 to 6 weeks.
Make sure to ask questions during your consultation and pre-surgical appointments so you completely understand what to expect afterward – this can help manage your expectations and ensure you get the results and the experience you’re hoping for.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to explore your options with blepharoplasty, our team led by Dr. Tregaskiss can help. To learn more, contact Pacific Plastic Surgery at our Vancouver office today by calling or filling out our online form.
