If you’re considering eyelid surgery, the one question you’ll probably want to know the answer to is how long it will take to recover.

This can be an important factor when making your decision because if you plan on returning to work soon after the procedure, you’ll want to know what your schedule will look like in terms of working and healing time.

How much time does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can be performed to reduce excess skin and fat in the upper or lower eyelids or to repair sagging skin on the upper eyelids due to aging. It’s an outpatient procedure that can take one to two hours and has a recovery period of about one week to 14 days.

What to expect from the recovery process?

Surgery to fix droopy eyelids can be done under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic. The recovery process typically takes about two weeks, but some people may be able to go back to work after a couple of days.

You should avoid strenuous activity for three weeks and should not wear makeup for one week after surgery.

You will experience discomfort in the first few days after surgery, which you can manage by taking pain medication. Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotic eye drops to help prevent infection.

How to promote quick recovery after eyelid surgery?

The healing process usually takes around two weeks, but there are many things you can do to speed up the process and reduce the chance of complications. Here are a few tips that will help ensure your quick recovery after eyelid surgery.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important aspects of recovering from eyelid surgery. The first few days after surgery are crucial for healing and getting your strength back, so make sure you're catching some good sleep. Spending too much time awake can delay healing and cause complications like infection.

Drink Lots of Water

During your recovery, you'll want to make sure you're drinking lots of water. Hydration is key to speeding up the healing process after surgery. It is always recommended to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water after surgery.

You can also use a cold pack or ice packs on your eyelids during the first few days of recovery to help reduce swelling and pain.

Avoid Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

It is important to avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits during the recovery period following eyelid surgery. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and using drugs are all detrimental to healing and should be avoided.

These habits will have an adverse effect on your immune system which will make it more difficult for you to heal from any infection that may arise after surgery.

Eat Healthy Food

Choose fresh, nutrient-rich foods to eat throughout your recovery. Eating healthy is not only important for the surgery itself but also helps you recover more quickly.

It is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash as well as leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens.

Foods high in vitamin C are also recommended since they can aid in wound healing. Some examples of these include strawberries, citrus fruits, and kiwi fruit.

Conclusion

For most people, recovery lasts approximately two weeks. However, some people heal faster and can return to work a few days after surgery. There is no right or wrong way to recover from eyelid surgery, but as mentioned there are some things you can do to speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of complications and there are some things that you should avoid for proper healing.

For more information on eyelid surgery, please schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John Martin, MD now.