Plastic Surgeon Questions Plastic Surgeon

How can I speed up healing after eyelid plastic surgery?

I had eyelid plastic surgery 5 days ago. How can I speed up healing after eyelid plastic surgery?

1 Answer

After your eyelid plastic surgery, it's natural to want to speed up the healing process and see the results as quickly as possible. Here are some recommendations based on advice from experts in the field, which can help accelerate your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery:

Prepare for your recovery time: The typical recovery period for eyelid surgery is about 10-14 days. It's beneficial to prepare for this period by addressing any responsibilities beforehand, such as stocking up on food or arranging for someone to help with errands or child care, allowing you to focus on resting.

Follow your post-surgery instructions diligently: After the procedure, it's crucial to adhere strictly to the self-care instructions provided by your surgeon. These often include using cold compresses to reduce swelling, using eye drops to prevent dry eyes, and applying ointment to keep the eyes lubricated. If your incision oozes while it heals, you can dab it gently (don't rub!) with sterile gauze.

Cold compresses: Applying cold compresses, especially within the first 48 hours post-surgery, can significantly decrease swelling and bruising.

Rest and avoid strenuous activities: You should avoid overexerting yourself too quickly after surgery, as this can lead to fluid build-up around the eyes and delay your recovery. Avoid strenuous activities, sports, and lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks after the surgery. However, light walking is beneficial.

Elevate your head: To prevent swelling, sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for two weeks or as directed by your surgeon.

Avoid direct sunlight: Sun exposure can be harmful to the healing skin, so it's crucial to protect your eyes from sunlight. Use dark sunglasses and avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds for up to six weeks after the surgery.

Avoid certain medications: To reduce the risk of excessive bleeding, avoid medications like aspirin or ibuprofen at least 10 days before surgery and up to 7 days after. Instead, you can take paracetamol or a pain reliever prescribed by your doctor.

Be patient: It's normal to experience temporary side effects such as puffy eyelids, red incisions, and swelling that resembles a black eye. However, these symptoms should subside within about two weeks, after which you'll be able to notice the changes from your surgery.

It's always important to remember that each patient's recovery can vary, and it's crucial to keep your surgeon informed of your progress throughout the recovery period. If you have any concerns or if something doesn't seem right, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.