Lower Eyelid Plastic Surgery Recovery

Lower eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty is a relatively invasive cosmetic surgery procedure involving a mild recovery process. But the patient will be required to give adequate rest to the eyes in the post-operative phase to ensure full recovery.

Eyes are a delicate part of the body, and the patient should be ready to adhere to the surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions for a safe recovery.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of lower eyelid surgery, including expected recovery. Dr. Jennifer Hui is an accomplished oculoplastic surgeon providing lower eyelid surgery to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and surrounding locations and suburbs in this area of the southwest.

Recovery Process

Lower blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient surgery. But in exceptional circumstances, the patient may require an overnight stay at the hospital. Depending on the patient’s specific eye and general health condition, the surgeon will make an appropriate recommendation. The patient should be prepared to take a week off from work to recover from lower eyelid surgery.

Most patients will be able to return to their regular routine or go back to their workplace in a week’s time. But complete recovery is likely to take a few more weeks. At the end of the first week, the sutures are usually removed. Swelling and redness would have considerably resolved by the second week.

In the initial recovery period, the patient will be required to avoid or minimize activities that exert the eyes, such as TV viewing, reading, or using computer or mobile phone. It is important to minimize strain on the eyes in the first few days in order to avoid excess blood flow to the eyes. With proper rest to the eyes and eye care, the results of lower eyelid lift will develop more safely and quickly.

Focused and exceptional eye surgeon Dr. Hui receives patients from Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and nearby areas for lower eyelid surgery.

Side Effects

Mild redness and swelling around the incision sites will occur as a temporary side effect after lower blepharoplasty. Patients are likely to experience some soreness, itching and dryness, and in a few cases, excessive tearing may take place. Mild prescription medications and a topical cream will help to keep the patient comfortable during the recovery period.

Some patients may experience light sensitivity for a few days, while some others may have a temporary blurred vision. In most cases, these side effects will disappear on their own, as long as the patient follows the surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions.

Aftercare

The patient is advised to apply cold compresses over the incision areas in the first two days after lower blepharoplasty. This will help improve swelling and soreness. The surgeon may prescribe eye drops, if the patient has dry eyes.

The patient must protect the eyes against sun exposure as per the surgeon’s instructions. They can gradually increase their activities that involve strain on the eyes as the eye condition and incision healing improves.