Recovery After Blepharoplasty: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated May 2025

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a procedure that can rejuvenate your appearance and potentially improve vision in cases where excess skin impairs sight. At Dr Scott J Turner’s clinics in Manly and Double Bay, we understand that a successful recovery is just as important as the procedure itself. As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Turner provides comprehensive care throughout your blepharoplasty journey, including detailed guidance for your recovery period.

What to Expect During Your Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

Understanding the typical recovery timeline helps set realistic expectations and ensures you’re prepared for each stage of healing. Whether you’ve had upper eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty (or both), the general recovery process follows a similar pattern, though individual experiences may vary:

Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Surgery Period

• Swelling and bruising: Most pronounced during this period
• Discomfort: Mild to moderate, manageable with prescribed medications
• Vision: May be temporarily blurry due to swelling and lubricating ointments
• Cold compresses: Essential for reducing swelling in the first 48 hours
• Head elevation: Keep your head above heart level even during sleep

During this initial stage, plan to rest completely. Arrange for someone to assist with daily activities as your vision may be temporarily compromised.

Days 4-7: Early Recovery

• Swelling: Begins to subside, though still noticeable
• Bruising: May change in colour from dark purple to lighter shades of green or yellow
• Stitches: May be removed around day 5-7 (if non-dissolving sutures were used)
• Comfort level: Gradually improving, with less reliance on pain medication
• Activity level: Limited to light walking around the house

Days 7-14: Returning to Daily Activities

• Appearance: Significant improvement in swelling and bruising
• Work: Most patients feel comfortable returning to work after 7-10 days
• Makeup: Can usually be applied to conceal any residual bruising after 7-10 days
• Social activities: Many patients feel comfortable in public settings
• Activity restrictions: Still avoiding strenuous activities

Weeks 2-4: Continued Improvement

• Results: Becoming more visible as swelling continues to decrease
• Exercise: Light exercise may be gradually reintroduced after 2 weeks
• Contact lenses: Usually safe to wear again (consult with Dr Turner first)
• Sun protection: Critical during this period to prevent hyperpigmentation

Months 1-3: Final Results Emerge

• Swelling: Most residual swelling resolves
• Scars: Continue to fade and mature
• Results: The final outcome becomes increasingly apparent
• Normal activities: Most patients return to full pre-surgery routines
• Follow-up care: Continued monitoring with Dr Turner to ensure optimal results

Essential Recovery Tips After Blepharoplasty

Managing Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are normal parts of the recovery process, but these strategies can help minimise their duration and severity:

1. Apply cold compresses: Use for 15-20 minutes each hour while awake during the first 48 hours
2. Keep your head elevated: Use extra pillows while sleeping to reduce fluid accumulation
3. Follow medication schedules: Take anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush your system
5. Reduce salt intake: Minimise sodium consumption to prevent fluid retention
6. Avoid blood-thinning substances: Including certain medications, supplements, alcohol, and smoking

Caring for Your Incisions

Proper incision care is essential for optimal healing and minimal scarring:

1. Follow cleaning instructions: Use prescribed cleansers and techniques
2. Apply ointments as directed: Typically antibiotic ointment for the first week
3. Avoid touching or rubbing eyes: This can introduce infection or disrupt healing
4. Protect from sun exposure: UV rays can darken scars and slow healing
5. After initial healing: Gentle massage with vitamin E or silicone gel may help reduce scarring

For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are typically hidden in the natural eyelid crease, while lower blepharoplasty incisions may be placed just below the lash line or inside the eyelid depending on the technique used.

Activity Restrictions

Respecting these activity limitations helps ensure a smooth recovery:

1. Avoid strenuous activities: For at least 2 weeks
2. No heavy lifting: Anything over 2-3kg should be avoided for 2 weeks
3. Limit bending over: Can increase blood flow to the eyes and worsen swelling
4. Avoid swimming: For at least 2 weeks to prevent infection
5. Gradually resume exercise: Starting with light walking and progressively increasing
6. Rest your eyes: Limit reading, screen time, and activities that cause eye strain

Eye Protection and Care

Your eyes will be sensitive during recovery and require special attention:

1. Wear sunglasses: Protect eyes from sun, wind, and dust when outdoors
2. Use prescribed eye drops: To prevent dryness and promote comfort
3. Avoid contact lenses: For at least 2 weeks or as advised by Dr Turner
4. Skip eye makeup: Until healing is complete, typically 2 weeks
5. Avoid environments that might irritate eyes: Such as smoky rooms or dusty areas

When to Contact Dr Turner

While complications from blepharoplasty are rare, contact Dr Turner immediately if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain not managed by prescribed medications
• Excessive swelling or bruising that seems to be increasing rather than decreasing
• Any signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, discharge, or fever)
• Changes in vision that persist beyond the initial recovery period
• Excessive dryness or irritation of the eyes
• Asymmetry or unusual appearance of the eyelids
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure

Planning for Your Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery period:

1. Prepare your recovery space: Set up a comfortable area with everything within easy reach
2. Arrange for help: Have someone available for the first 24-48 hours after surgery
3. Stock up on supplies: Cold compresses, prescribed medications, eye drops, and healthy foods
4. Clear your schedule: Take adequate time off work and social commitments
5. Understand your restrictions: Be mentally prepared for temporary limitations
6. Follow all pre-operative instructions: Including medication adjustments and fasting requirements

Recovery requirements may vary slightly between male blepharoplasty and procedures for women, primarily due to anatomical differences, but the core principles remain the same. Dr. Turner will provide personalized guidance based on your specific procedure and individual needs.

Schedule Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

If you’re considering eyelid surgery, Dr Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, provides personalised consultations to discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and develop a tailored recovery plan. Whether you’re interested in upper eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, or a combination of both, Dr. Turner can help you understand your options and what to expect during recovery.

With clinics in Manly and Double Bay, Dr Turner serves patients throughout Sydney with the highest standards of surgical care.

To learn more about blepharoplasty and how it might benefit you, contact us to schedule your consultation today.