Blepharoplasty Recovery: Tips & Items to Stock Up On

Droopy, puffy and tired-looking eyes often make people look years older than they actually are. Reconstructive eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that can address excess skin in the eyelids and bags underneath the eyes. Dr. Halaas routinely performs the procedure at her Manhattan office and recommends a blepharoplasty for those who wish to brighten their eyes and restore a youthful, more alert appearance. Recovery from eyelid surgery is, more often than not, complication-free. When some basic guidelines are followed, the healing process can be relatively fast.

How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Halaas will fully review your medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries and any use of medications and supplements. Based on the specifics of your medical history, she will provide you with comprehensive pre- and post-procedure instructions. Regardless of your individual case, there are some basic instructions you should follow. Before your eyelid surgery, you should:

• Avoid certain medications. Aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications or herbal supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. Because of this, they should be stopped two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery.
• Stop smoking. Among the numerous health hazards it presents, smoking reduces the body’s ability to heal.
• Arrange for somebody to accompany you. Following your surgery, a friend or relative should drive or accompany you home. You should also make arrangements for somebody to stay with you for the first night.

To help aid your recovery, it is recommended that you make some home preparations in advance, including making sure you have some key some provisions at hand. Some items to stock up on include:

• Prepared meals, a supply of fresh fruit and bottled water
• Any medication that Dr. Halaas has prescribed (pain medication, eye drops and ointment)
• Cool compress for the eyes
• Any everyday items you need

The Recovery Process

A blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure and, therefore, does not require an overnight hospital stay. Immediately following your surgery, you will be placed in a recovery room for short period for monitoring. As you heal, you can expect to have some bruising and swelling around the eyes, which generally subside within about a week.  Other common side effects are blurry vision, light sensitivity, and watering eyes. These symptoms typically resolve themselves in about 7-10 days and most patients can fully resume their normal activities after a week

As you recuperate it is important to take steps to facilitate a comfortable healing. Dr. Halaas has a few tips to follow during the first week your recovery:

• Avoid strenuous activity, such as rigorous exercise and heavy lifting
• Avoid eye strain or irritation, such reading, watching television and rubbing the eyes
• Do not wear contact lenses for two weeks
• Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes from light and wind
• Sleep with your head elevated

Your Blepharoplasty Consultation with Dr. Halaas, NYC

Dr. Halaas is a board-certified plastic surgeon, recognized for her surgical skill and artistry. If you would like to more about eyelid surgery and how it can make your eyes look refreshed, contact Dr. Halaas at her New York office.