Recovery Process after Blepharoplasty

blepharoplasty

Undergoing a blepharoplasty (more commonly known as an eyelid lift) has become a standard procedure that affords an individual the opportunity to rejuvenate their looks over the course of a few weeks. That vitality can be exciting, but here is what to expect once the surgery is completed.

After the Surgery

The recovery process begins even before a patient leaves the operating room. Doctor Warnock may apply a dressing to your eyes, but will definitely lubricate the area with ointment. In the recovery room, that ointment will probably result in the patient having blurred vision, which is only a temporary condition that will disappear within hours.

Since the patient is under an anesthetic during the procedure, the likelihood is high that their eyes will feel either tight or hot and tender when it starts to wear off. They also might experience chills or a range of emotions. In some cases, nausea might be the result.

A patient may stay overnight at the facility where the procedure took place, but the greater likelihood is that they can return home. However, because the patient will still be feeling the effects of the anesthesia and also be unable to see clearly for the next 24 hours, that person must have someone else drive them home.

Post-Surgery Issues

Pain is inevitable during the recovery process, but the prescribed medication should be able to handle the problem. One key aspect of the post-surgery medication protocol to remember is that the patient be aware of what they should NOT take to alleviate their issue. Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen all heighten the possibility of bleeding due to their anti-inflammatory nature.

Depending on how complicated the procedure was, the bruising and swelling around the eye will vary. While black eyes are quite common, they fade away, while swelling can be lessened by applying a cold compress to the face and eyes.

Due to the surgery’s delicate nature, the risk of infection is a possibility, so the patient should regularly take their temperature to determine if an infection has taken hold.

Finally, the possibility of the patient suffering dry eyes (or even excessive tearing) means they may need some sort of eye drop solution to maintain lubrication in that area. It’s also probably a good idea for the patient to wear dark sunglasses to limit the heightened sensitivity to light they’ll be experiencing.

Post-Surgery Sleeping

Some temporary shifts in the patient’s normal sleeping patterns and positions is a given, since it helps minimize swelling. The head should be elevated for at least a few days after surgery. In addition, the surgeon may instruct you to wear an eye mask during your sleeping periods in order to protect the eyes.

While the entire blepharoplasty process can be a combination of tedious and painful, the end result is that the patient will experience a more youthful look, which can provide unseen benefits down the road in a variety of ways.

To find out if blepharoplasty is right for you, contact Dr. Steven Warnock’s office today. We can help determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, so we can help you get the results you want.