How Can I Manage My Eyelid Surgery Recovery?
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a very common form of cosmetic surgery. It removes excess skin and fat from around the eyes creating a naturally open and youthful look to the face. Here are some tips on what you can expect during the recovery phase.
Pain
Immediately after the surgery, you may have some post-surgical pain. As the incisions in eyelid surgery are relatively minor and there is little interaction with the bones, this usually eases up in the first couple of days following surgery. Your surgeon will give you some pain medication to take in the hospital with some additional medication to take as needed at home.
Bruising and swelling
There will also be some swelling after surgery which can be both uncomfortable and look a little disturbing if you haven't prepared. Ask your doctor to show you some post operative pictures so that you know what to expect. You may want to limit visitors in the immediate post-operative period if you are not comfortable with how you might look.
You can manage the swelling by placing an ice pack over your eyes at regular intervals. You can also keep your head elevated at all times, including during sleep, to reduce swelling and to manage the discomfort associated with swelling. Many people also like to take anti-inflammatory medication to manage this issue. Some patients find that avoiding salty foods such as crisps and soy sauce can help limit swelling around the eyes, especially during this time. It is a good idea to take some time off work and rest up while the wounds are healing. This is a great time to spend some days in bed or on the couch catching up on your favourite shows!
Itching
As the wounds start to heal up, it's common to have some itching. Try to resist the urge to scratch. Using some surgical eye cream to keep the area soft and moisturised can help to manage these issues.
Dry eyes
Some patients also find that they have some dry eyes following eyelid surgery, as their eyelids adjust to their new shape. Patients can use saline eye drops to flush their eyes while they are adjusting after surgery, but this issue should also resolve quickly.
The exact duration and intensity of your recovery will depend on your overall health as well as the amount of surgery involved. An experienced surgeon will be happy to answer all of your questions and help you develop a well thought out plan for recovery after surgery.