How do you ensure a successful Blepharoplasty Recovery?
You did it! You finally took the plunge and had blepharoplasty to improve the appearance of your eyes. Congratulations! You are now on your way, to a more youthful appearance! Getting a new look is a great feeling but as with any surgical procedure, there are going to be certain “to do” things, you should do and avoid doing in order to ensure successful cosmetic results. Therefore, understanding the Blepharoplasty Recovery process is key to a successful outcome.
In this blog post, we will go through few tips to help you recover after your blepharoplasty, as quickly and smoothly as possible! By following these simple aftercare instructions, you will be soon on your way, feeling and looking great in no time. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What to expect immediately following your Blepharoplasty?
Here are few things that you can expect in the immediate aftermath of your surgery:
- The first thing you will notice after blepharoplasty surgery is that your vision is blurry. But it is nothing to worry about; the cause of this is a thick ointment that’s applied to your eye area to prevent the surface area from drying out.
- Immediately following your blepharoplasty, it is normal to experience some swelling and bruising around the incisions. You may also feel like you have something in your eye or that your eyelid is tight. All of these side effects are normal and will subside with time. It is important to keep your incisions clean and protected while it is healing.
- It is not unusual to experience excessive tearing and sensitivity, in the first few weeks following your surgery.
- You might experience difficulty closing your eyes while you sleep.
- Your scars will heal gradually and may remain slightly pink for up to 6 months.
- After surgery, it is important to treat any discomfort that you may feel. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain; medication can help ease any pain that you may be experiencing. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, when treating the discomfort following surgery.
Dry eye is a common occurrence after surgery but there are steps you can take to prevent it. After your surgery, take extra care of your eyes by using artificial tears or ointments as needed and avoid potential irritants like smoke or wind. If you continue to experience persistent dryness or discomfort, be sure to contact your surgeon at the earliest.
11 simple tips to speed up your Blepharoplasty Recovery:
Although there are a number of elements and factors that affects your recovery time, the most important factor is you! How quickly you recover, depends on how well you follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and your personal healing process. Here are 11 tips to help speed up your recovery process:
Take time off work: One of the best things you can do, to ensure a speedy recovery from blepharoplasty is to take some time off work. This will give your body, the time it needs to heal properly and reduce the risk of complications. Both your body and your eyes need rest. It is no secret that getting a good night’s sleep is important for your eyes in the recovery process. So, ensure you get some quality shut-eye to promote healing.
Don’t strain your eyes: It is important to avoid straining your eyes after the surgery. This includes activities such as reading, using your computer or mobile or watching television which can lead to dry eyes.
Protect your eyes: After surgery, your eyes are more susceptible to infection. It is important to protect your eyes from sunlight, dirt, dust and other irritants. Be sure to wear dark sunglasses and a hat, if you need to go out.
Do not rub your eyes: It is also important to avoid rubbing your eyes after surgery. This can cause the incisions to open up and lead to complications. If you have itchy eyes, try using a cool compress to help relieve the itchiness. Also, if you need to touch your eyes, be sure to wash your hands first.
Avoid strenuous activities: After surgery, it is important to take it easy and avoid any strenuous activities. This means no heavy lifting, sports or other vigorous activities for at least 10 weeks following your surgery. These activities can put too much stress on your body and increase the risk of complications. Instead, focus on resting and giving your body, the required time to heal.
Do not wear contact lenses: After you have had a eyelid surgery, it is important to take a break from wearing contact lenses. First of all, your eyes will be more sensitive after surgery and wearing contacts could further irritate them. Additionally, the possibility of infection is higher, when you have a wound on your eye and contacts can increase that risk.
Avoid bending: The skin around your eyes is extremely thin and can be easily damaged. Bending puts unnecessary stress on the healing incisions and can cause them to reopen, leading to complications.
Avoid swimming: It is important to wait for at least 2 weeks post blepharoplasty surgery before swimming. This is because the incisions need time to heal and water can increase the risk of infection. Swimming also puts pressure on the eyes, which can result in pain and puffiness.
Wear comfortable clothing: Avoid Pull up shirts or other outfits that could rub against your eyes and cause irritation. Wearing zippered clothes can help to avoid irritation of the incision site. Be sure to wear loose-fitting attires that will not rub against the incision site.
Avoid Smoking: Studies have shown that smokers take longer to heal from wounds and that their wounds are more likely to become infected than non-smokers. Your body is already working hard to heal post-surgery. Cigarette smoking and second-hand smoking, can slow down the healing process and put you at an increased risk for infection. So, it is recommended to abstain from smoking for at least 3 months after surgery.
Take a balanced diet: There are many things that you can do, to help manage inflammation and promote healing after having eyelid surgery but diet is often overlooked. The foods you eat, play a big role in inflammation levels throughout your body; so it is important to focus on anti-inflammatory foods in the days and weeks following your surgery. Fruits and vegetables should be part of your diet. Please avoid alcohol, refined sugars, processed foods and high-fat foods.
When to call for an emergency?
In case of a medical emergency, the following symptoms should be observed. Call 999 if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden bleeding
- Spike in body temperature
- Persistent Vomiting
- Signs of DVT such as calf pain and swelling
- Unusual drainage from the incisions
To sum up, blepharoplasty can be a great way to improve your overall appearance and get a more youthful look with vibrant eyes! Just remember to follow the steps, we have outlined and you will be on your way to a smooth ride throughout your recovery!
If you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, do not forget to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr Deemesh Oudit. Give us a call on 0161 989 1234 for further information.
Posted on : August 1, 2022