Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Someday, you might look in the mirror and realize droopy eyelids and undereye bags are giving you a perpetually fatigued or unfriendly appearance. That’s when it’s time to consider restoring your youthful appearance with blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery.

Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat believes her patients should be well-informed before considering cosmetic surgery, including what happens afterward to ensure your recovery is as successful as possible. Review these helpful tips to ensure your eyelids heal appropriately after surgery, so you can get back to looking and feeling your best as soon as possible.

Clear Your Schedule

Most of our patients return to their usual daily routine within 10 days to two weeks after surgery. Take time off from your job and other activities to concentrate on the healing process. One way to prepare is to have your house ready when you return home from the operation, including stocking your pantry with easy-to-make meals and asking friends and family to take care of household chores, including looking after young children. It’s critical to have plenty of time to rest and focus on self-care.

Follow After-Surgery Care Instructions

Dr. Mussat will provide instructions to follow to ensure a successful recovery. These may include how to care for your incisions and when to return for follow-up appointments. To speed healing, eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fresh, unprocessed foods. You should also wear sunglasses when going outdoors to prevent scarring.

On the initial days following surgery, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, eye drops to avoid dry eyes, and an ointment for lubrication are additional responsibilities.

Patience Is a Virtue

Don’t expect instant results. Post-surgery swelling will create some puffiness, and your incisions may appear red. Some patients experience the equivalent of a black eye because of post-surgical bruising. During this time, it’s easy to become disenchanted. But remember, these are all part of the natural healing process.

The swelling will take about two weeks to go away. Then, the bruising will subside, your eyes will look clearer and more beautiful, and you’ll feel on top of the world.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is the most restorative thing you can do for your body. Healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Keep your sleeping schedule consistent, waking up and going to bed at the same times each day even on days off.

Healing demands a lot of your body’s energy reserves, so you’ll probably feel more fatigued than usual. Plan naps during the day, and don’t rush – it’s not a race to heal as quickly as possible.

Skip Strenuous Activities

During the first two to four weeks after eyelid surgery, avoiding activities that increase blood flow to your eyes is crucial. These include high-impact activities like jogging and interval cardio. You’ll also want to be mindful of everyday activities that increase head pressure and force blood into your eyes, like bending, heavy lifting, and lying on your back. However, you can take gentle walks to improve your circulation.

Learn More About the Best Eyelid Lift in Chicago

Are you ready to have brighter, younger-looking eyes? To schedule your private eyelid lift consultation with Dr. Mussat, contact our Chicago office online or call (312) 751-9000 today.