Blepharoplasty: What to Expect Back At Home

The idea of undergoing surgery and seeing new results can certainly be exciting. Blepharoplasty (also known as eyelid surgery) removes saggy skin from around the lids and makes your eyes instantly appear more open and awake. However, there’s a common question I hear from our eyelid surgery patients here in Baton Rouge: What can I expect once I’m back at home and recovering on my own?

Although each person recovers at a different pace and may have a slightly different experience, here are a few tips for making your healing go as smoothly as possible. 

Your recovery process

Immediately after surgery, your eyelids may feel tight and sore. Your vision may be blurry for a few days, but don’t worry—this is a perfectly normal side effect. Keep your eyelids clean and avoid rubbing them or being rough to the skin around your incisions. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to best tend to your incisions and keep your eyes clean and comfortable. 

Your sutures will be removed after 7 days. Most patients go back to work around 10 to 14 days after surgery.

How to care for yourself at home

Once at home after surgery, there are plenty of things you can do to support your recovery. First, make yourself comfortable, as you’ll need plenty of rest. Sleep with multiple pillows to keep your head elevated and reduce swelling. You can also ice your eyes for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to provide some comfort.

Here are some main things to keep in mind when preparing for your recovery period:

• Take it easy: Rest when you feel tired. Don’t push yourself too hard. Your eyes will get tired easily, so limit reading and screen time for a few days.
• Use your medicine: Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding eye drops and pain medications. If you usually take aspirin or another blood thinner, talk to your doctor about when you can start retaking it.
• Care for your incisions: Keep the area around your incisions clean and dry to prevent infection. If you have an eye bandage, wear it for as long as instructed by your doctor. 

Safety and follow-up care

Follow-up care is a crucial part of your health and safety. Be sure to go to any appointments and keep track of medications you’ve been taking. While serious side effects are unlikely, it is important to call a doctor or nurse if you are struggling with serious issues. A few examples include:

• Loose stitches
• Ineffective pain medication
• Bleeding from the incision 
• Signs of infection, such as fever

Your staff is always here to guide you through the recovery process. If you have any questions at any time, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for advice or guidance. 

Browse our before-and-after gallery to see real patients’ eyelid surgery results. If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty in Baton Rouge, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice by phone at (225) 399-0001.