Recovery After Blepharoplasty: A Week-by-Week Guide to Eyelid Surgery Healing

Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney

Recovery from blepharoplasty follows a predictable timeline. Swelling and bruising peak within the first 72 hours, settle substantially by the end of week one, and resolve almost entirely by weeks three to six. The thin skin of the eyelids and the generous blood supply in this part of the face mean healing tends to progress reasonably well, though the eyes do look operated on for the first one to two weeks. Most patients plan two weeks away from social commitments, return to desk work within one to two weeks, and resume full activity by six weeks.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), registered with AHPRA (MED0001654827), with specific training in eyelid surgery. He performs both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty as part of eyelid and brow surgery in Sydney, consulting at Bondi Junction and Manly with surgery at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.

Upper vs Lower Blepharoplasty: Recovery Differences

Upper and lower blepharoplasty have different recovery timelines, and it is worth understanding them separately before surgery.

Upper blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation as a day procedure. Patients return home the same day. Recovery is relatively straightforward, and most patients manage the first week comfortably at home.

Lower blepharoplasty recovery follows a longer timeline. It is always performed under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. Two approaches exist. The transconjunctival approach places the incision inside the lower eyelid with no external scar; recovery is faster. The transcutaneous approach uses a small incision just below the lash line; external sutures and additional tissue disruption mean the timeline is longer.

If both upper and lower are performed together, recovery follows the lower eyelid timeline. Two weeks before returning to social settings is a reasonable plan.

For day-by-day detail on upper blepharoplasty specifically, see the upper blepharoplasty recovery day-by-day timeline.

Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline

Day of Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty patients are discharged the same day, usually within a few hours. Lower blepharoplasty and combined procedures involve a brief observation period before discharge.

The eyes feel tight and heavy immediately after surgery. Vision may be slightly blurry from the antibiotic ointment applied during the procedure; this clears quickly. A driver is required to take you home. Having someone available for the first 24 hours makes the day considerably easier.

Days 1 to 3: Peak Swelling

Swelling and bruising peak between 48 and 72 hours after surgery. The eyes look significantly more swollen than they did in the recovery room. This is expected and is not a sign that anything has gone wrong. Bruising typically extends below the eye and sometimes onto the upper cheeks.

What helps:

Cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes every hour while awake, for the first two to three days. Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth; never apply ice directly to the skin.
Head elevation at all times, including during sleep. Use extra pillows or a reclining chair for the first few nights. Sleeping flat increases pressure in the eyelid area and worsens swelling.
Genuine rest. Avoid bending forward, straining, or anything that drives blood pressure toward the head.

What to avoid:

Blood-thinning medications or supplements, unless specifically approved by Dr Turner.
Smoking and alcohol, since both slow healing and worsen bruising.
Screens, which tend to be uncomfortable in the first few days. The eyes feel dry and sensitive to light. Rest them as much as possible.

Days 4 to 7: Swelling Begins to Settle

From around day four, swelling reduces and bruising changes colour from deep purple to yellow-green. The eyes still look operated on (full resolution does not occur in a week), but the difference from peak swelling is significant.

Upper blepharoplasty sutures are removed at approximately one week. The appointment is quick and comfortable. Lower blepharoplasty transcutaneous sutures are removed at five to seven days.

By the end of week one, most patients are managing independently at home.

Eye care during this period:

Continue prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment as directed.
Avoid rubbing the eyes; this is particularly important in the first two weeks.
Contact lenses should not be reinserted for at least two weeks.
Sunglasses are essential outdoors. They protect healing skin from UV and wind, and are a practical way to manage public exposure while bruising is still visible.

Week 2: Returning to Normal Settings

Visible bruising fades, swelling reduces substantially, and the eyes begin to resemble their final result. Some morning puffiness persists, but the worst of the recovery is behind.

Upper blepharoplasty. Most patients return to desk-based work and light social settings within one to two weeks. Some residual puffiness in the upper eyelid crease is typical, manageable with makeup from week two onward.

Lower blepharoplasty (transconjunctival). Most patients resume normal activities within five to seven days. No external sutures simplifies the early recovery considerably.

Lower blepharoplasty (transcutaneous). Return to activities within ten to fourteen days. Some patients prefer to wait until the full two weeks before appearing in public.

What opens up at two weeks:

Sunglasses and light makeup over healed incisions.
Light walking, which can be continued from earlier in recovery for circulation.
Short domestic air travel may be appropriate; discuss with Dr Turner before booking.

Weeks 3 to 6: Continued Settling

Residual swelling continues to resolve through weeks three to six, though slowly enough that day-to-day changes are not always obvious. Morning puffiness is normal; fluid accumulates overnight and disperses during the day. It resolves progressively.

Exercise. Light walking from two weeks is appropriate. More demanding activity (gym, running, swimming, high-impact exercise) should wait until four to six weeks. Raised blood pressure in the operated area during this period can cause a haematoma or disrupt the result. For activity-specific guidance, see exercise after eyelid surgery.

Swimming and saunas. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least two weeks, preferably four. Heat and pool water both create infection risk and worsen swelling when tissues are still settling.

Scar management. Once incisions have healed, usually from week two, gentle massage with silicone gel can begin. Continuing for two to three months supports scar maturation. Upper blepharoplasty scars sit within the natural eyelid crease and become barely detectable when the eyes are closed over three to six months.

Months 3 to 6: Final Result

The final result is typically fully apparent between three and six months. Residual swelling has resolved, incision lines have faded, and the eyes appear defined.

Lower blepharoplasty patients and those with thicker skin may notice continued refinement beyond six months. Mild asymmetry during healing, including one eye appearing more swollen than the other for a period, is normal and resolves as healing completes. Final assessment of the result should not be made before the three-month mark.

What to Watch For

Most blepharoplasty patients have an uneventful recovery. The following are signs to contact the practice promptly:

Increasing rather than decreasing pain after the first 48 hours
Sudden increase in swelling on one side only
Any changes in vision, including sudden blurring or loss of visual field
Discharge from the incision sites beyond the first few days
Marked asymmetry developing after the first week

Dr Turner and his team are available throughout the recovery period. Post-operative appointments are scheduled at regular intervals, and all concerns can be raised directly. For the broader list of potential complications, see blepharoplasty risks and complications.

Recovery Tips Summary

Head elevation at all times for the first two weeks, including during sleep
Cold compress for the first 48 to 72 hours, 10 to 15 minutes per hour
No contact lenses for two weeks
No eye makeup for two to three weeks
No strenuous exercise for four to six weeks
No swimming or saunas for two to four weeks
Sunglasses outdoors throughout recovery
Scar massage with silicone gel from week two onward
Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements throughout recovery
No smoking or alcohol during the healing period
In-clinic LED therapy may be discussed at the practice as adjunctive recovery support

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does blepharoplasty recovery take?

Upper blepharoplasty recovery: sutures removed at one week, most patients return to work and social settings at one to two weeks, final result at three to six months. Lower blepharoplasty (transconjunctival): return to normal activities within five to seven days, final result at three to six months. Lower blepharoplasty (transcutaneous): sutures removed at five to seven days, return to activities within ten to fourteen days, final result at three to six months. Combined upper and lower follows the longer of the two timelines.

When can I return to work after blepharoplasty?

Most patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks of upper blepharoplasty, and within seven to fourteen days of lower blepharoplasty depending on the approach. The timing depends on how comfortable you are appearing in public with residual bruising and swelling. Makeup can help from week two onward. Discuss your specific work requirements with Dr Turner at your pre-operative consultation.

When can I exercise after eyelid surgery?

Light walking can resume gradually from approximately two weeks. More vigorous exercise (running, gym, swimming, high-impact activity) should wait until four to six weeks. Returning to exercise too early increases the risk of haematoma and raised pressure in the operated area.

When does swelling go down after blepharoplasty?

Swelling peaks at 48 to 72 hours and begins to reduce noticeably from day four. Most visible bruising and obvious swelling resolves within two to three weeks. Residual puffiness, particularly in the mornings, can persist for two to three months. Final resolution of deep swelling occurs at three to six months.

Can I wear makeup after blepharoplasty?

Eye makeup can typically be worn from week two onward, once the incisions have healed. Avoid applying makeup directly to the incision lines in the early weeks. Makeup on the lid crease above the scar should wait until the incision is fully healed. Sunscreen over healed incisions is important when going outdoors.

Related Procedures and Resources

Related procedures:

Helpful guides:

Consult with Dr Scott J Turner

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, FRACS (AHPRA MED0001654827). Blepharoplasty consultations are held at the Bondi Junction clinic (39 Grosvenor Street) and the Manly clinic (Suite 504, Level 5, 39 East Esplanade). Surgery is performed at Bondi Junction Private Hospital or Delmar Private Hospital in Dee Why.

The consultation fee is $450. The booking pathway follows AHPRA cosmetic surgery requirements: a minimum of two consultations, GP referral, cooling-off period, psychological screening, and a $1,000 surgical deposit payable only at the second consultation.

Book a consultation on 1300 437 758 or contact the practice directly.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty — A Week-by-Week Guide to Eyelid Surgery Healing