When it comes to healing after eyelid surgery, many patients feel impatient, as they want to begin showing off their incredible cosmetic results right away. Unfortunately, there is no magic bullet when it comes to recovery. The best way to accelerate your recuperation process is to follow your surgeon’s instructions, get plenty of rest, and stay out of the sun. Below, our aesthetic experts at New York Laser Vision in Manhattan and Brooklyn discuss eight key ways you can support a seamless recovery process after blepharoplasty.
1. Focus On Preparation In The Weeks Leading Up To Your Eyelid Surgery
One of the best ways to ensure a rapid and stress-free recovery is to prepare well ahead of time. This means filling any prescriptions prior to your surgery date, making sure your home is comfortable and well-stocked with essentials, and scheduling a friend or family member to assist with childcare, pet care, and basic chores. By doing this, you can free up your energy to focus on repair and renewal.
2. Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Instructions Carefully
It may seem obvious, but your surgeon has extensive experience in performing eyelid surgery and knows exactly what you need to do in order to heal well. Leverage their professional insight by carefully following all instructions. You will need to have on hand cold compresses to relieve tenderness and swelling, eye drops to relieve dry eyes, and ointment to keep the skin lubricated and hydrated. Also, keep gauze in the house in case you need to redress your incisions.
3. Stay Focused On The Future
The early stages of blepharoplasty recovery can be challenging, as you will likely experience swelling, bruising, and puffiness that makes you look like you got punched in the eyes! Understand that these symptoms can persist for several weeks and keep things in perspective. Once the healing process has progressed, you will start enjoying a more refreshed, youthful appearance that will boost your confidence.
4. Avoid Harmful UV Rays
One of the most impactful things you can do for your recovery is to avoid direct sunlight. You must protect your eyes after blepharoplasty, as the skin will be especially delicate and vulnerable to sun damage. Choose dark sunglasses with frames that wrap around the head, preventing light from penetrating on the sides. Wear a sunhat and sunblock every time you go out. The sun will be at its strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, so schedule outings accordingly.
5. Keep Your Eyes Relaxed
While you are recuperating, it may be tempting to catch up on four seasons of Stranger Things but resist the urge to engage in too much screen time or reading. Over-using your eyes during recovery can lead to dry eyes, slowing down your healing process. If you are looking for ways to relax, try listening to music, going for gentle walks, or talking with a favorite friend on the phone instead of being glued to screens.
6. Prioritize A Good Night’s Sleep
Most of us don’t implement proper sleep hygiene, and while this may not impact our daily lives that much in general, it can be devastating when it comes to expediting recovery after surgery. In order to heal, you need to prioritize sleep. Not sleeping well can inhibit optimal wound healing. Don’t push yourself to stay awake like you normally would. It is perfectly okay to take a lot of naps during blepharoplasty recovery. At night, turn off all devices at least an hour before bed and make sure there are no distractions that might keep you from a restful slumber.
7. Avoid Strenuous Exercise
Most patients at New York Laser Vision are busy, active individuals who love to work out and take care of themselves. Unfortunately, you will have to postpone vigorous exercise for 4-6 weeks after eyelid surgery, as it can increase bruising and swelling while putting undue pressure on your incisions. Any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes or increases pressure in the head should be strictly avoided, including lifting, bending, and picking up children.
8. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, you should understand that this is the number one activity that will interfere with healing. Smoking increases your risk of complications, degrades your skin quality, and slows down wound healing. In order to promote a seamless recovery process, you will need to quit smoking at least 6-8 weeks prior to blepharoplasty. Many patients choose this opportunity to quit for good, safeguarding their health and longevity.
Learn More About Blepharoplasty at New York Laser Vision
New York Laser Vision in Manhattan and Brooklyn provides patients with a wide range of cutting-edge procedures, concierge care, and support from a team of vetted healthcare professionals. We have helped over 20,000 individuals obtain clearer vision, a more youthful eye appearance, and enhanced peace of mind. If you are looking to learn more about blepharoplasty and what to expect from your recovery, contact us today to start the conversation. We look forward to speaking with you during a private, in-depth consultation.
