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How Long Does It Take to Recover from Eyelid Surgery?

Believe it or not, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic enhancements available today. This powerful cosmetic tool can breathe new life into your skin, giving you a youthful glow. It is common for patients to become eager in their pursuit of rejuvenation. Before getting too far ahead, there are aspects related to eyelid surgery you should consider. A commonly asked question that many are curious to know is, “How long does it take to recover from eyelid surgery?” This question does not have just one answer. There are several factors, like the individual and the extent of your procedure, that can influence recovery time following eyelid surgery. In most cases, individuals feel comfortable going in public within 10-14 days after surgery, but healing to completion can take a few months. Below, we go into more detail to explain the recovery timeline from eyelid surgery. 

 

Types of Eyelid Surgery

  • Upper blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging or drooping in your upper eyelids. During your surgery, excess skin and fat are removed from your upper eyelids to improve appearance and function. 
  • Lower blepharoplasty is much like an upper blepharoplasty, except it targets the lower eyelid area. Excess skin and fat are removed through an incision along or inside your lower eyelid. This procedure is used to correct under-eye bags, wrinkles, and other cosmetic concerns in this area.  
  • Double blepharoplasty combines both upper and lower blepharoplasty, giving your eye area a complete transformation. Your surgeon creates small incisions and removes skin and fat from your upper and lower eyelids. This cosmetic enhancement recreates a definition that has been lost due to sagging, drooping, and lifestyle factors. 

Depending on your surgeon, technique, and extent of the procedure, it takes an average of 45 minutes to one hour to complete an upper or lower blepharoplasty. If you have opted to undergo a double blepharoplasty, expect approximately two hours to complete. 

 

Initial Recovery

Initial recovery encompasses the time immediately following your procedure till approximately two weeks. 

  • Bandages or stitches will be present immediately following your surgery. 
  • Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common symptoms during this stage of recovery. 
  • You may experience blurry or double vision. 
  • Eye drops and pain medications are commonly prescribed following this cosmetic enhancement.\

 

Two to Four Weeks After Eyelid Surgery

At the two-to-four-week mark, you should be feeling better and seeing improvement in your eye area.

 

  • Incisions may be visible but will begin to fade over time. 
  • Swelling and bruising are likely to be present but should be diminishing. 
  • At this stage, you should be able to resume light activities.
  • Your surgeon may give you the okay to begin applying makeup again. 

 

Long Term Healing

Even though you may be feeling and looking completely recovered, there may be more going on under the surface that you are unaware of during the months following your blepharoplasty. 

  • It may take several months for the final results to make their appearance. 
  • The small incisions may still be visible after several months, but should continue to fade. 
  • To optimize the healing process, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. 

 

Potential Complications and Signs to Watch For

There are risk factors to take into consideration when performing any surgery. Some complications can lengthen the healing process. When this happens, seek the guidance of your surgeon to ensure optimal results. 

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Persistent vision complications
  • Eyelid retraction 
  • Numbness
  • Double vision

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased pain, swelling, or redness around the incision site.
  • Drainage from your eyes or the incision site. 
  • Fever.
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Bleeding from the incision site.
  • Unusual growths under incision sites. 

 

Recovering From Eyelid Surgery

Recovering from eyelid surgery takes care and patience. Initial healing may take approximately two weeks, but to completely recover, it can take several months. To increase the chance of success, diligently following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial. Every patient and procedure is unique; factors such as the extent of the corrections, lifestyle, and more can influence your recovery time. 

Speak with your surgeon to discuss realistic expectations and the details of the healing process. Equipped with the knowledge and the support of your surgeon, you will be well on your way to enjoying your refreshed, rejuvenated appearance in no time. 

 

Eyelid Surgery in Nevada

Schedule a consultation with an eyelid surgeon today about your lower blepharoplasty. 

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Can Blepharoplasty Correct Eye Asymmetry?

Your eyes are one of the first features people notice when they look at you. Bright and youthful-looking eyes make you look awake and friendly, whereas fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging can cause you to look tired and older. The apparent age of your eyes can impact your overall appearance and self-confidence. Another factor that affects the eyes’ appearance is eye asymmetry, which is a common concern for many people. It occurs when there is a noticeable difference in the size, shape, or position of your eyes. You may wonder, can blepharoplasty correct eye asymmetry? 

Can Blepharoplasty Correct Eye Asymmetry?

Blepharoplasty effectively addresses eye asymmetry. The procedure focuses on addressing various issues with your eyelids and is customized to meet your unique needs. It commonly includes the removal of excess fat and tissue, as well as muscle tightening, to achieve a more even look between your eyes. Many people undergo the procedure to reduce the signs of aging. Blepharoplasty is effective in addressing eye asymmetry through the following techniques.

Fat and Tissue Distribution

A common cause of eye asymmetry is a difference in fat and tissue distribution. Sometimes, one eye may be more puffy than the other due to the tissue, or the fat deposits may make each eye look different. Uniformity between both eyes is ideal to ensure optimal facial symmetry. Upper blepharoplasty is a great way to address this. This is achieved by removing the excess tissue and fat. In some cases, the fat is repositioned.

Skin Tightening

Sagging skin can also cause eye asymmetry. Skin laxity occurs due to the natural aging process and poor lifestyle habits. These include stress, smoking, excessive drinking, poor sleep habits, and not caring for your skin. Blepharoplasty can address sagging skin and smooth out the eye area. Excess skin is removed during the procedure, and the remaining skin is tightened to achieve eye asymmetry.

Muscle Tightening and Balancing

The natural aging process and poor lifestyle habits impact the muscle tissues in your face, leading to sagging skin and eye asymmetry. Additionally, some eye muscles may be more active than others. For these reasons, you may notice asymmetry in your eyes. Eyelid surgery in Reno can adjust and tighten the muscles in your eyes to achieve a more balanced look. 

Types of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty focuses on the area around your eyes. There are two types: upper and lower blepharoplasty. Both are effective in addressing the signs of aging and poor lifestyle habits. Some people only need one, while others may get both. It is common to combine the procedures for optimal results.

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelid area. It helps open up your eyes so you look more awake and youthful. This is achieved by removing the excess skin and fat and tightening the area around your eyes. Lower blepharoplasty is effective in addressing the areas under your eyes. Common issues below your eyes include chronic puffiness, dark circles, and bags. The procedure involves the removal of fat and excess skin. In some cases, the fat may be repositioned to give your eyes a smoother and more youthful look.

Eyelid Surgery in Reno

The first step in addressing eye asymmetry involves scheduling a consultation with a skilled surgeon. The surgeon can assess your eyes and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, you can proceed with the procedure.

The team at Nevada Eye Plastic Surgery is highly skilled and experienced in blepharoplasty. Their patients have reported a boost in self-confidence due to the procedure’s results. Contact their office today to schedule a consultation!