Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that helps improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. This surgery can make the eyes look more open, youthful and rested by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the eyelids. Many patients consider getting a blepharoplasty to rejuvenate their eyes and achieve a more refreshed look. A common question that arises is, how long does it take for blepharoplasty scars and swelling to completely heal?
Swelling After Blepharoplasty
It is normal to experience significant swelling and bruising around the eyes and eyelids after a blepharoplasty procedure. This is a natural part of the healing process. Here is what you can expect regarding swelling:
- Maximum swelling occurs about 2-3 days after surgery
- Swelling and discoloration around the eyes peaks at around 1 week
- About 70% of the swelling resolves within 2 weeks
- Remaining swelling continues to improve over the next several weeks
- Most visible swelling subsides after 6 weeks
- It takes 3-6 months for residual internal swelling to completely resolve
Swelling can cause the eyes to look somewhat small and sunken at first. This will gradually improve and the eyes will look more open over time. Cold compresses and head elevation can help minimize swelling during the recovery period.
Bruising After Blepharoplasty
Bruising is also normal after eyelid surgery. Here is what you can expect regarding bruising:
- Bruising is usually most noticeable about 2-4 days after surgery
- The eyelids and surrounding areas may be black, blue or purple
- Bruising starts to lighten and turn yellowish after about 5 days
- Most visible bruising resolves within 7-14 days
- Remaining bruising continues to fade over the next few weeks
- Use of cold compresses can help minimize bruising
While bruising can look somewhat alarming at first, it is temporary and will reduce significantly within two weeks. Camouflage makeup can be used if needed to conceal residual bruising.
Itchiness After Blepharoplasty
Itching is common during the healing process after eyelid surgery. Here’s what to expect regarding itchiness:
- Itching is caused by nerve regeneration and healing
- Itching and mild discomfort may be felt starting a few days after surgery
- Itching tends to peak in intensity after 1-2 weeks
- The itchy feeling starts improving after about 3-4 weeks
- Use of antihistamines, cold compresses and ointments can provide relief
- Resist the urge to rub or scratch the incisions as it can disturb healing
Itching discomfort gradually gets better on its own. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams or antihistamines can be used to manage bothersome itching during recovery.
Scarring After Blepharoplasty
Some degree of scarring is expected with blepharoplasty, as incisions are made along the natural eyelid creases. Here is the scarring timeline:
- Incision lines will be pink or reddish immediately after surgery
- Scars remain pink for the first 6-8 weeks
- Redness gradually fades over 2-3 months
- By 6 months, most scars have faded and are barely visible
- For up to one year, scars continue improving and smoothing out
- Proper wound care minimizes scarring
- Medical treatments can reduce appearance of thick scars if needed
When done properly, blepharoplasty scars should heal very inconspicuously along the natural lid folds. Scars do take time to mature and fully fade.
When Can I Resume Normal Activities?
It is important to take it easy after blepharoplasty to allow the incisions to heal properly. Here are general timelines for resuming regular activities:
- Return to work: 1-2 weeks for an office job, 3-4 weeks for more strenuous work
- Exercise: Light activity after 2 weeks, full activity after 4-6 weeks
- Driving: 1-2 weeks once vision is clear and swelling has reduced
- Eye makeup: 2 weeks for eyeliner, 4 weeks for mascara and eye shadow
- Glasses: 3-4 weeks
- Contact lenses: 4-6 weeks
- Sun exposure: Use sun protection for 3 months to prevent scarring
Talk to your surgeon about when it is safe to resume any activities that directly impact the eyelid area after surgery. Allowing proper healing prevents complications.
When Can I Expect Final Results?
It takes time for the full effects of blepharoplasty to become visible. Here is when you can expect to see final results:
- Immediately after surgery, the eyes will be swollen and bruised
- After 1 week, initial improvements are visible but swelling persists
- About 70% of improvement is visible after 6 weeks
- By 3 months, most of the bruising, swelling and scarring has resolved
- Near-final results are visible after 6 months
- It takes up to 12 months for final results to fully develop
Have patience as it takes several months for residual swelling to resolve and for scars to mature. The eyes will look refreshed and rejuvenated at one year after surgery.
Factors that Influence Healing Time
Several factors can impact the recovery and healing process after blepharoplasty surgery. These include:
- Type of procedure: More extensive surgery leads to more swelling and longer recovery
- Age: Older patients may have slower healing
- Skin type: Thicker skin can result in more swelling
- Ethnicity: Increased risk of scarring for darker skin types
- Lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol, sun exposure delays healing
- Follow-up care: Proper wound care and ointments quickens recovery
Your surgeon will advise you on what to expect for your specific case based on these factors. Follow all postoperative instructions diligently for smooth, timely healing.
Conclusion
While initial recovery may seem daunting, blepharoplasty results are very rewarding with patience. It takes 3-6 months for most visible swelling and bruising to resolve. Final results fully develop in 12 months. Listen to your surgeon’s recommendations and allow sufficient healing time before resuming strenuous activities. Proper rest, nutrition and wound care will optimize your recovery. Within several months, you can enjoy dramatically rejuvenated, brighter eyes from blepharoplasty surgery.