Is Eyelid Surgery Recovery Painful?

While it’s possible the idea of eyelid surgery recovery brings to mind painful thoughts, the good news is, this is actually a false assumption.

The truth is, neither eyelid surgery San Francisco itself nor eyelid surgery recovery is very painful in the majority of cases. Below, we’ve outlined the reasons why and provided some of our most helpful tips for easing your comfort and giving you peace of mind as you approach your eyelid surgery procedure.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Overall, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a very simple, minimally invasive procedure. It can be performed on the upper eyelids (upper eyelid surgery), the lower eyelids (lower eyelid surgery), or both the upper and lower eyelids. Naturally, where you have blepharoplasty depends on your particular goals and where you see a problem.

The main goal of this procedure is typically to open up the eyes and reduce excess skin, fat, and/or muscle in the eye area. For some men and women, removing just a little bit of skin on the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty) can open up the eyes with very natural results. In other words, you can look more naturally awake and alert, but without looking different.

For others, blepharoplasty can take care of bags and sagging skin beneath the eyes (lower blepharoplasty). These are sometimes the result of genetics, and other times, they are simply caused by aging.

Blepharoplasty Recovery Process

Eyelid surgery recovery time usually lasts for about one week.  If you have undergone double eyelid surgery, the recovery time may be slightly longer.

Most patients have a bit of swelling and bruising for around a week. Swelling may last a bit longer than bruising. Other common symptoms following blepharoplasty include puffiness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, itchiness, seeing floaters or having double vision, and overall eye fatigue.

Dr. Sieber uses one small suture, which will stay on your eyelid for around five to seven days following your surgery. Once this is removed, the incisions will be virtually invisible.

Pain usually peaks within the first two or three days after your procedure, and from there, it should reduce significantly as the days and weeks progress. Sometimes, your surgeon will have prescribed eye drops or special ointments. If pain is significant, prescription pain medication can be prescribed.

Pain Prevention During Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is minimally invasive, and no large incisions are required. As such, you shouldn’t have to worry about any pain during the procedure itself. Of course, this naturally goes for all types of cosmetic surgery as general anesthesia or local anesthesia is always used as well.

Eyelid surgery can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Choosing which type of anesthesia you have will largely depend on your preferences, but also on the exact procedure techniques Dr. Sieber needs to use during surgery.

Pain Management During Eyelid Surgery Recovery

After surgery, you may have some slight discomfort and soreness. This is generally mild.

For patients who do have more significant pain, pain medications can be prescribed. But often, over-the-counter pain medication is sufficient at reducing any post-surgery soreness.

It’s important to take it easy during your recovery. Get a good night’s sleep every night, and keep your head elevated while you rest.

During the healing process, don’t take part in intensive exercise or strenuous activities as this can increase blood flow and blood pressure. Also, for the first few weeks, make sure you don’t watch too much TV or use screens for long periods of time as your eyes may be become increasingly tired.

Wear dark sunglasses outside, and use sun protection. If you wear contact lenses, use your glasses while you recover, and do not wear eye makeup for at least a week.

Other self care instructions and eyelid surgery recovery tips may be outlined in your post-surgery packet as well. Always follow your surgeon’s guidelines.

In addition, if your surgeon allows it, you might consider warm or cold compresses to improve your comfort, reduce swelling, and aid healing. Sometimes, medicated ointments or eyedrops may be prescribed as well.

Having your blepharoplasty stitches removed should not be painful. This will be done in office after around five to seven days of recovery. The process usually feels like a slight tugging or pulling of the lids.

FAQ: Eyelid Surgery & Recovery

What is the most common eyelid problem?

Most patients seek upper or lower eyelid surgery because of excess skin or fat around the eyes. Excess skin on the upper eyelids can fold over, obstructing an individual’s vision and making them look older.

Excess skin and fat on the lower eyelid and under eye area can also cause an individual to look tired and older than they are.

What do your eyelids look like after eyelid surgery?

This will largely depend on what type of blepharoplasty you underwent. To get a clear idea of what your eyelids will look like after your particular procedure, we recommend searching for day by day eyelid surgery recovery time photos online.

For example, if you had surgery on your upper lids and want to know how your lids will look after two weeks, look specifically for “two week upper eyelid surgery recovery day by day”. Before and after eyelid surgery photos on cosmetic surgeons’ websites can provide insight as well.

What not to do after blepharoplasty?

Following blepharoplasty, do not lift anything heavy or perform strenuous activities. Do not go outside without sunglasses and sun protection on your skin.

Do not drink alcohol or smoke. Do not get your eye area wet without permission from your surgeon. Finally, do not rub, tug, or strain the eye area.

What are the eyelid surgery costs?

Eyelid surgery costs can range anywhere from $5000 to $13000 depending on your specific circumstances.  The only way to make an accurate assessment is to arrange an initial consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Arrange a Consultation Appointment

Are you ready to improve the look of your eyes? Blepharoplasty can make you look and feel younger, less tired, and more ready to face the day, every day.

Call today to book your one-on-one consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Sieber.

References

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-eyelid-surgery