Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery is a great procedure as it gives patients a youthful appearance without looking overly done. The most common eyelid surgery is an upper blepharoplasty. This is where the excess skin of the upper eyelid is removed to refresh the eyes.
The recovery process for the procedure is typically very straightforward. I typically use a technique for the upper eyelids that does not require any sutures. This helps make the postoperative period very easy for patients. Patients often have very little pain after the procedure.
I typically have patients take a week off work for their eyelid surgery. Patients do have to take it easy the first week so that they do not worsen their bruising or cause a problem after their surgery. At one week typically most of the bruising from an upper blepharoplasty has resolved, if not patients can use cover-up makeup.
Please consult your board certified plastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery.
How much does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
For pricing information, visit our plastic surgery pricing page
How Long Does The Blepharoplasty Procedure Take?
You will have pre and post-operative instructions detailed out for you so you can easily refer to them. Usually, to prepare for your surgical day you will:
- Stop taking aspirin (if you are required to by your doctor, discuss this fact with Dr. Franco)
- Stop taking herbal supplements and supplemental vitamin E because they can increase bleeding (again, if you have arranged this regimen with your doctor, you’ll first discuss the issue with Dr. Franco)
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products at least 3 weeks before surgery (it will interfere with healing)
- Fill any prescriptions from Dr. Franco
- Prep your home with light foods that won’t upset your stomach
- Prep a recovery area with books, movies, and other ways to pass the time
- Arrange for a spouse, family member, or friend to bring you to surgery, drive you home, and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure
- Clear your schedule so you have nothing to worry about for at least the first week
- Don’t wear your contacts (if you wear contacts) to the procedure
- Bring sunglasses with you
- Follow our instructions for bathing and eating
We’ll make sure you have these instructions in advance so you can plan accordingly. There isn’t too much prep, but we do want to make sure that your body is ready for it and that you have everything planned. Preparation is the best way to go into this experience confidently! We of course will be here as support in this time, making sure nothing is ambiguous or unanswered as you get ready for this rejuvenating procedure.
How Can I Prepare For Eyelid Surgery?
The duration of the actual procedure itself varies slightly depending on whether any other procedures are being combined with the blepharoplasty, as well as whether both upper and lower eyelid surgery will be completed. Typical procedures take 1-2 hours to complete, but you should plan to be at the surgical facial for several hours, and the rest of your day must be clear to go home and relax.
How Common is Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. Franco may recommend local anesthetic or general anesthesia for your blepharoplasty. Local anesthetic with sedation allows you to deeply relax while still being awake and able to respond to Dr. Franco if he asks you to open or close your eyes. But in some cases, general anesthesia is the best choice. Discuss all of these options and any concerns you have with Dr. Franco. We want to make sure you feel safe and comfortable during surgery.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used for Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid surgery remains very popular in the United States! In fact, it was the second most-popular procedure in 2020, second to rhinoplasty. In 2020, there were over 352,000 blepharoplasties performed, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This rejuvenating surgery consistently ranks as a top choice among men and women alike. It’s a straightforward way to refresh the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes while also eliminating saggy eyelids that interfere with reading and vision.
How Long Does Eyelid Surgery Last?
The results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting. The excess tissue and fat that is removed is removed for good; however, it cannot stop the aging process or prevent the effects of gravity over the years. After a decade or more, you may notice that the passage of time causes some return of wrinkles and sagging, but generally the clock will remain turned back in this regard: your eyes will continue to look younger than they would have if you hadn’t gotten blepharoplasty.
