Lower blepharoplasty surgery can remove puffiness, bags, and loose skin beneath your eyes. It is a cosmetic procedure that provides your face with a relaxed and youthful appearance. But it doesn’t work overnight. It has a long recovery process, and when you know what to expect, you can feel more prepared and confident. From the start to the finish line, each week brings some progress you need to be aware of.
At The Aesculpir, our team of the best plastic surgeons, Dr. Heena Kudyar and Dr. Diksha Dixit, is always there with you through every step of the process and make sure that your healing is as seamless as your results are graceful.
What Happens Immediately After Lower Blepharoplasty?
Immediately following your lower blepharoplasty surgery, you will have some swelling and moderate bruising below your eyes. This is completely normal. Your eyes may feel snug or a little achy, but you can go through it with cold compresses and tender, loving care. For the first 24 to 48 hours, you’re going to need to rest. Keep your head upright, and try not to nod forward or strain your eyes.
Your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions to guide you through this phase. You might have to take medication or apply ointment to your eyes to keep the area moist. Don’t rub or touch your eyes. Let your skin heal naturally.
Avoid screens, long reads, and strong sunlight exposure. Your body is recovering, and it needs some of this calm. You’ll also be instructed to skip makeup and skincare that you apply near the eye.
If stitches have been used, they are usually removed within a week. At The Aesculpir, we won’t let you get lost on what to do next after your lower blepharoplasty surgery. Our expert cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Heena Kudyar and Dr. Diksha Dixit will provide you with comprehensive guidance during your immediate after-surgery care.
Week-by-Week Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline
Knowing what to expect in your recovery, week by week, can help you feel calm and confident. Here’s what you will experience after your lower blepharoplasty surgery:
Week 1: Swelling, Bruising, and Rest
This is the most tender part. You’ll see puffiness, redness, and bruising along the lower eyelids. It may seem harsh, but fear not; it’s all perfectly normal. You can also expect some general discomfort, but cold compresses can be a simple yet effective aftercare solution for relief. Don’t lie down, even when you sleep. Stay away from doing anything that accumulates blood on your face, like bending over or lifting heavy items. You are advised to call out of work and disconnect from all screens. Let your eyes fully rest.
By the end of the first week, you’ll be feeling better. Your stitches, if there are any, may come out at 5 -7 days. We will monitor your recovery and advise you on next steps.
Week 2: Visible Improvements Start
By the second week, your swelling is going to reduce a lot. The bruising will have started to subside for the most part, and you’ll begin to notice the early effects of your new look. You can gently clean your face but continue not to apply any skincare products, including sunscreen, near your eyes unless instructed by your surgeon.
You will be good to step outside for short intervals. Just make sure you wear sunglasses and don’t get too much sun. You may go back to some light activities at home, such as walking. But you should not rush immediately back to your full schedule. Your skin is still recovering, even if it doesn’t feel like it is.
Week 3 to 4: Back to Routine
Most of the puffiness and bruising should have subsided by now. The skin under your eyes will begin to appear smoother and more natural. A lot of people are back to work and socialising by this point. You still might feel a little tightness or a little swell at the end of the day, but it’s nothing to concern yourself with.
Incisions, redness, or fine lines around the lash line will also begin to vanish. You can really ease back into your skincare routine again; just be sure not to rub the area too much. Begin with little light exercises, but don’t engage in something too intense until your surgeon suggests you do it. You’ll get back to feeling like you again. And, most importantly, you’ll start to love how you look.
Week 5 to 6: Results Take Shape
This is when the magic really starts to happen. The swelling is nearly gone. Your lower eyelids will feel firmer, appear smoother, and seem well-rested. The skin around your eyes will mix well with your face. You should now be able to go about your normal skincare and makeup routine. You can work out and travel, but be mindful and gentle on your skin. Your plastic surgeon may call you in for a follow-up visit.
Week 7 and Beyond: Final Results Settle In
By this week, your lower blepharoplasty results will have settled well. Your eyelids have a pleasing shape, and the surgery area has healed inconspicuously. Anything that’s left, like tightness and a little discoloration, will fade more.
You’ll look refreshed without looking “done.” That’s the goal we focus on. Your journey doesn’t just stop at surgery, and it continues through careful follow-up and personal support from our team at The Aesculpir.
However, keep in mind everyone’s healing is different. While this timeline gives you a clear idea, we’ll adjust your recovery plan to suit your skin, lifestyle, and goals.
Tips to Speed Up Your Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Healing is something you can’t rush, but you can ease discomfort while your body works. Use these easy methods to aid your recovery after lower eyelid surgery.
Follow Every Post-Surgery Instruction
Every detail matters. Apply your ointments as you have been instructed, keep your eyes clean, and don’t skip your follow-up visits. We at The Aesculpir individualize aftercare guidelines specifically for you to ensure your healing process is as easy and effortless as possible. Dr. Heena Kudyar and Dr. Diksha Dixit are available at any time to answer your queries and support your recovery.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Sleep with your head elevated by using an extra pillow. This also lessens swelling more rapidly. Avoid lying flat on your back or stomach in the initial weeks. It helps your lower blepharoplasty recovery to heal soon.
Use Cold Compresses Early On
For the first two days, apply cold compresses around your eyes. This helps reduce puffiness and relieve pain. However, do not put ice directly on the skin. It will irritate your skin, and you will face difficulties recovering.
Eat Light and Stay Hydrated
Good food speeds healing. Choose soft, low-sodium foods. Stay hydrated, and refrain from drinking alcohol or eating salty snacks, as these can hinder your recovery from the lower blepharoplasty surgery.
Limit Screen Time and Sun Exposure
Rest your eyes. Don’t overdo reading, watching TV, or scrolling through your phone. Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes when you are outdoors. These will help you heal better and faster from your surgery.
Avoid Makeup and Rubbing
Let your skin heal naturally. Do not put on makeup until your cosmetic surgeon allows. it And never rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy. This can complicate the process of lower blepharoplasty healing.
Common Concerns During Recovery and When to Seek Help
After your lower blepharoplasty surgery, when you are in the process of healing, there is a possibility that you will feel some pain or discomfort. This is an entirely normal thing to happen, but it’s helpful to know what to expect and when to reach out for help.
One complaint which is really common is swelling and bruising for days. Although these signs may diminish after the first week, a few patients notice a small amount of puffiness for about a month. You should also follow recovery advice after the procedure to deal with issues like swelling, which will include resting with your head raised and applying ice bags during the first stages of recovery.
Mild discomfort or a “tight” sensation around the eyes is also common but it will continue to improve. However, if you experience severe pain, a sudden change in vision, or other unexpected symptoms, like extreme redness or excessive drainage from the incisions, it’s important to call your cosmetic surgeon right away. Infection is a rare event and should be addressed promptly.
There are also the incision lines to be concerned about. These markings should fade over time as your recovery continues. But if you work up the courage to stop covering it up and start taking good care of it now, there is a lot you can do to prevent it from getting worse.
Factors That Influence Your Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline
There are many considerations that can impact your recovery following lower blepharoplasty. It depends on your general state of health, age, and lifestyle.
For instance, younger patients may have a quicker recovery because they have more elastic skin and are able to regenerate their tissue faster. However, pre-existing health conditions like diabetes or a previous history of smoking might slow your recovery.
Adherence to your cosmetic surgeon’s aftercare instructions will have a great deal to do with the quality and speed of your recovery. At the end, patience is key, as everyone’s healing journey is unique.
Conclusion
Recovery from lower blepharoplasty is a time-consuming and patience-testing process, but with the correct steps, you’ll be basking in a rejuvenated, youthful appearance in no time. Keep in mind that your recovery period will differ, so remain patient and have faith in the process.
At The Aesculpir, under the guidance of Dr. Heena Kudyar and Dr. Diksha Dixit, we offer complete aftercare instructions, continuous follow-up sessions, and expert guidance to help you throughout the process and recover quickly with long-lasting results.