Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

We follow our Toronto blepharoplasty patients’ progress very closely for the first week or two. After surgery your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but any discomfort can be controlled with the pain medication prescribed. If you feel any severe pain you should call your surgeon immediately.

We will lubricate your eyes with ointment but will not bandage them. You will need to clean your eyes regularly, as they may be gummy for a week or so. We may also recommend eye drops, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience watery eyes, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

You will have to keep your head elevated for several days, and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising varies from person to person, but typically reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month. The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

You will need to keep your activities to a minimum for a week and to avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks. It's especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

Most Toronto surgery patients who receive eyelid surgery feel ready to go out in public and back to work, in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing and the surgeon's instructions, you'll probably be able to wear makeup to hide any bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids when you go out.