Tired of drooping eyelids or undereye bags that make you look like you were up all night? Blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift is an effective way to restore bright, youthful-looking eyes. If you are considering this procedure, you most likely have questions about the recovery time. Your Longwood Plastic Surgery team will answer your questions and help you understand what to expect.
What is Blepharoplasty or an Eyelid Lift?
Blepharoplasty is also known as eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift. It can be performed on your upper lids, lower lids, or both simultaneously. It treats a range of concerns around the eye area, including loose skin, wrinkles, puffiness, and drooping. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates your eyes and can even eliminate excess skin that obstructs your vision.
How is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Your eyelid lift will usually be performed with local anesthetic and oral or IV sedation. You will not feel any discomfort. Small incisions are made in the creases of the eyelids and are used to lift and smooth the skin, reposition or remove pads of fat, and tighten sagging muscles. The procedure can take three to four hours, especially if you have upper and lower blepharoplasty.
Recovery Time After Blepharoplasty
Discomfort after an eyelid lift is usually minor and easily managed with medication. You can expect some swelling and bruising in the area. Most people start to feel much better after the first few days. If you have a low-activity job, you can often return in five to seven days. Follow all your surgeon’s instructions on how to clean your eye area and treat your incisions.
You will have follow-up visits with your LPS surgeon, who will clear you to return to your exercise routine when you have healed enough, usually after a few weeks. Bruising usually fades within a week or two, but some minor swelling may last for several more weeks. Taking enough time to recover is important to achieving your best results, so listen to your body and talk to your surgeon about any concerns.
What Results Will I See After an Eyelid Lift?
You will usually notice a difference within a few days of your procedure as the swelling begins to fade. Your results will continue to improve for several months as residual swelling disappears and your skin, fat, and muscles settle into their corrected position. You can expect your results to last ten to fifteen years or even longer. We recommend using sun protection and quality skincare products to keep your eyelid skin youthful-looking and smooth.
Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
If you are in good health and have achievable goals, you are most likely a good candidate for an eyelid lift. Candidates typically want to address signs of aging around the eye area, but drooping eyelids and undereye bags can have a genetic component that makes them appear earlier. Only a consultation can determine for sure whether this procedure is right for you.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about blepharoplasty? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 380-7320. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction.