Recovery

After your eyelid surgery it s very important to have someone to take you home. Your eyes will be sore, red and swollen for a few days and full recovery can take a number of weeks. If you have not had dissolvable stitches then your stitches will be taken out after two to seven days.

You should be able to go out in public after a week to 10 days as most of the swelling and bruising will have subsided after this period of time. If you do go out it is advisable to wear dark sunglasses for at least a couple of weeks after surgery to protect your eyes from the elements.

Cold compresses can be used to help reduce the swelling and you should bath the area around the eyes to keep it clean. Eye drops may also be recommended if you experience any dry or itchy eye problems. Your surgeon may also provide you with an ointment to help reduce the dryness and keep the incisions lubricated. Applying a recommended antibiotic ointment can reduce the chance of infection but you may experience a slight blurring of vision as a result of using it.

Most people experience some pain after their surgery however for a lot of people this is only minor discomfort. You eyelids will most likely feel sore and tight while the anesthesia is wearing off. To help reduce some of the pain, use the medication prescribed by your doctor.

You are advised to keep your head elevated as much as possible during the first few days of recovery to help minimise swelling and bruising. It is also important to get as much rest as possible during the recovery period as you may notice your eyes tire easily for the first few weeks.

You should avoid over exerting yourself for a few weeks after surgery as any increase in blood flow to the eyes should be avoided. You should also avoid straining your eyes by reading or using a computer as it can dry your eyes out. Wearing contact lenses should also be avoided. You should be able to resume normal activities after around 10 days.

To ensure a speedy recovery make sure you follow your surgeon’s instructions closely during this healing period. Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience bleeding or a sudden increase in pain.