After eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), most people feel comfortable being seen in public at around one to two weeks, although faint bruising can take a little longer to fade. Full exercise usually resumes at around four weeks, and the final result is assessed at around three to six months. Recovery varies, and lower eyelid surgery often takes longer than upper, so follow your surgeon’s instructions.
The first 48 hours
Upper blepharoplasty is often performed under local anaesthetic as a day case; lower or combined surgery may be done under general anaesthetic. Expect swelling, bruising and a tight, gritty feeling around the eyes. Cold compresses applied gently for short periods, as advised, can help reduce swelling. Rest with your head raised, avoid bending forward, and have someone drive you home and stay with you for the first night. Blurred vision from ointment or swelling is common in the first day or two.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising usually peak around days two to three and then begin to settle. Your eyes may water, feel dry or be sensitive to light, and you may find it difficult to close them fully at first. Use the eye drops or ointment prescribed, keep wounds clean, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Limit screen time and reading, which can cause eye strain. Stitches are often removed at around five to seven days.
Weeks 2–3
Most bruising has faded or can be covered with make-up once wounds have healed. Many people return to work at around one to two weeks. Mild swelling, particularly first thing in the morning, is common. Scars in the upper eyelid crease are usually pink at first but tend to become well hidden over time.
Weeks 4–6
Most people can resume full exercise and swimming at around four weeks if their surgeon agrees. Residual swelling continues to settle. Contact lenses can usually be worn again at around two weeks or once comfortable, and eye make-up at around two weeks, but check with your surgeon first.
3 months and beyond
Subtle swelling, especially of the lower eyelids, can take three to six months to settle completely. Scars continue to fade and soften over 6–12 months. Protecting your eyes from the sun with sunglasses and applying sunscreen around the healed scars can help.
Returning to work, driving, exercise and flying
- Work: often possible at around one to two weeks, depending on bruising and the nature of your job.
- Driving: only once your vision is clear, you can see comfortably in all directions and you are off strong pain relief, often around one week.
- Exercise: gentle walking from day one; light exercise from around two weeks; full exercise, including swimming, from around four weeks if your surgeon agrees.
- Flying: usually avoided for at least a week; discuss longer trips with Mr Nassab.
Garments, dressings and sleeping position
There is usually no garment after eyelid surgery. Small strips of tape may be applied over the wounds. Sleep on your back with your head raised on two or three pillows for the first one to two weeks to reduce swelling. Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sunlight.
Warning signs – when to call the clinic or seek urgent care
- Go to A&E or call 999 immediately: sudden loss of or change in vision, severe or increasing pain behind the eye, or a tense, bulging eye with rapidly increasing swelling. These can be signs of bleeding behind the eye, which is rare but a surgical emergency.
- Contact the clinic urgently: bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or significant new swelling on one side.
- Contact the clinic the same day: fever, spreading redness, discharge from the wound, or a painful red eye.
- Mention at your review: persistent dryness, difficulty closing the eyes, or the lower eyelid pulling away from the eye.
Tips for a smoother recovery
- Rest your eyes: limit screens and reading in the first few days and take regular breaks.
- Use your drops: lubricating drops or ointment help keep eyes comfortable.
- Avoid rubbing: resist touching or rubbing your eyes while they heal.
- Keep your head up: sleeping raised and avoiding bending forward helps swelling settle.
- Stop nicotine: smoking and vaping slow healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does swelling last after blepharoplasty?
Most swelling settles within two to three weeks, but subtle swelling can take three to six months to resolve, particularly after lower eyelid surgery.
When can I wear contact lenses after eyelid surgery?
Contact lenses can usually be worn again at around two weeks, once your eyes feel comfortable, but check with your surgeon first.
Will I have visible scars after blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid scars are placed in the natural crease and usually fade well. Lower eyelid incisions may be just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid.
Can I look at screens after blepharoplasty?
Short periods are usually fine, but limit screen time in the first few days to avoid eye strain and dryness.
Who can have blepharoplasty?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery is for adults aged 18 and over. Mr Nassab will assess your eye health and may recommend an optician or eye check before surgery.
