As summer approaches, more people seek subtle yet powerful ways to refresh their appearance, and eyelid surgery is one of the most transformative options. Whether you’re addressing puffiness, sagging skin, or under-eye bags, blepharoplasty with Dr. Yael Halaas offers refined, natural-looking results that enhance your eyes without compromising your unique beauty.
But what can you expect during the healing process, and how long before you're photo-ready? Here’s your comprehensive eyelid surgery recovery timeline so you can plan confidently.
Week 1: Immediate Recovery and Rest
Because Dr. Halaas uses advanced techniques and performs surgery with exceptional precision, most patients experience minimal discomfort and rapid initial healing. Your incisions will be delicately hidden within natural eyelid creases or made inside the lower eyelid for virtually invisible scars.
What to Expect
- Mild to moderate swelling and bruising
- Sensitivity or tightness around the eyes
- Temporary blurry vision or light sensitivity
What You Can Do
- Rest with your head elevated
- Apply cold compresses as directed
- Use prescribed eye ointments or drops
- Avoid strenuous activities, screen time, and rubbing your eyes
Week 2: Visible Improvements Begin
Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public with a touch of concealer by the end of this week.
What to Expect
- Swelling and bruising start to subside significantly
- Sutures (if not dissolvable) are typically removed by now
- You'll begin to see the early results of your refreshed appearance
What You Can Do
- Resume light activities and return to non-physical work
- Sleep on your back to continue supporting optimal healing
- Use sunglasses to protect the eyes from sun and wind exposure
Weeks 3-4: The Confidence Phase
This is the perfect time to schedule a professional photoshoot or attend a summer event. Your results will speak for themselves!
What to Expect
- Most swelling and discoloration are gone
- The eyes look brighter, more open, and youthful
- You can start wearing contact lenses again (after 10–14 days)
What You Can Do
- Resume exercise and more vigorous activities after Week 2–4 (as approved by Dr. Halaas)
- Begin wearing makeup again to enhance your results
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing
Week 6 and Beyond: Final Results Take Shape
By this point, you'll see your refined, long-lasting outcome: smoothed under-eye contours, lifted upper eyelids, and a refreshed expression that still looks like you. Any residual swelling will be nearly undetectable.
Best of all, Dr. Halaas’s meticulous attention to detail ensures:
- Minimal scarring
- Exceptional symmetry
- Natural, youthful contours
Depending on whether you had upper, lower, or combined blepharoplasty, your results can last 5–7 years or longer, with lower eyelid surgery results often considered permanent.
Planning for Summer? Start Now.
To enjoy your full results in time for summer vacations, weddings, or social gatherings, it’s ideal to schedule your blepharoplasty 6–8 weeks in advance. This gives your body time to heal beautifully and lets you enjoy the season confidently.
As the top female facial plastic surgeon in NYC, Dr. Halaas combines elite credentials with an artist’s eye and a compassionate, personalized approach. With hundreds of successful eyelid surgeries and a commitment to patient-centered care, she helps you look as vibrant and energized as you feel.
Schedule your consultation today to get summer-ready with the expert who blends science & beauty in every procedure.