Blepharoplasty Recovery: What the First Two Weeks Look Like

If you’re considering blepharoplasty, it’s easy to focus on the surgery itself. But then comes the slightly less glamorous question of what does blepharoplasty recovery actually look like?

The good news is that eyelid surgery generally has a relatively short initial recovery period. The less good news is that you are unlikely to look completely recovered the moment you leave the clinic.

Swelling, bruising, dry or irritated eyes and some temporary blurring of vision are all possible during the early stages of recovery. Most patients see noticeable improvement during the first two weeks, but the final result takes longer to settle.

If you’re planning to have blepharoplasty, here’s what you can generally expect during those first 14 days.

Blepharoplasty recovery at a glance

While everybody heals differently, the first two weeks of blepharoplasty recovery tend to follow a broadly similar pattern:

• Days 1-2: Swelling, bruising and irritation are usually at their most noticeable.
• Days 3-4: Swelling may still be significant, but the worst of the immediate postoperative period should be passing.
• Days 5-7: Bruising and swelling generally begin to improve, and stitches may be removed around the one-week mark.
• Week 2: Most patients look considerably more presentable, although some swelling and bruising can remain.
• After two weeks: The initial recovery period is largely behind you, but the eyelids can continue to settle for several weeks or months.

That last point is worth stressing.

Two weeks is not necessarily the same thing as completely healed.

The first 24 hours after blepharoplasty

Immediately after eyelid surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes.

You may also experience dry or irritated eyes, a gritty sensation, sensitivity to light or mild discomfort. Slightly blurred vision can occur, particularly because of dryness or ointment applied around the eyes.

This is why you should arrange for somebody else to take you home rather than planning to drive yourself. You should not drive while your vision is impaired, and your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to get behind the wheel again. Some NHS guidance suggests this may be after several days, but the deciding factor is whether your vision is clear and you are otherwise fit to drive.

Your surgeon may recommend lubricating drops or ointment, cold compresses and keeping your head elevated to help manage swelling.

The first day is essentially about doing very little.

Rest, follow your postoperative instructions and resist the temptation to start judging the final result in the bathroom mirror.

Your face has been operated on. It is allowed to look like it.

Days 2-3: When swelling can look its worst

The second and third days can be a slightly strange part of blepharoplasty recovery because the swelling may still be increasing or appear more noticeable.

Newcastle Hospitals notes that swelling can be worse the morning after surgery and that bruising can spread across both eyelids and towards the lower cheek before gradually settling.

This can look alarming if you weren’t expecting it.

It doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong.

Your eyelids may feel tight, heavy or uncomfortable. You may also notice itching as the incisions begin to heal. Provided discomfort is gradually settling rather than becoming increasingly painful, these symptoms can be part of normal recovery.

Sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce swelling. Some NHS guidance recommends using two or three pillows, while Newcastle Hospitals suggests sleeping almost upright during the first couple of nights.

You should also avoid rubbing your eyes.

It sounds obvious. You will be surprised how often the obvious things become surprisingly difficult when your face is itchy.

Days 4-7: The recovery starts moving in the right direction

By the middle of the first week, the worst of the immediate postoperative period should generally be behind you.

Bruising may still be obvious, but it should gradually start changing colour and fading. Swelling should also begin to decrease, although there can still be plenty of it.

This is often the point where patients start to feel a little more normal.

You may be able to return to light daily activities and, depending on your job and how you feel, potentially work. Cambridge University Hospitals states that most forms of light exercise and a normal work pattern can be resumed within a few days, although other NHS providers recommend more restrictions.

That variation is important.

There is no single blepharoplasty recovery time that applies to everybody.

A desk worker who can work from home is in a very different position from somebody whose job involves heavy lifting, outdoor work or constant face-to-face contact.

Your surgeon’s instructions should take priority over a generic recovery timeline.

When are stitches removed after blepharoplasty?

If non-dissolving stitches have been used, they are commonly removed around one week after surgery.

Cambridge University Hospitals states that stitches are usually removed at the one-week eye clinic appointment, while the American Society of Plastic Surgeons also describes eyelid sutures being removed within approximately one week.

Not every procedure uses the same closure method, however. Your surgeon may use dissolvable sutures, skin glue or another technique.

So don’t start counting down to “stitch day” until you know what has actually been used.

Week two: Starting to look like yourself again

By the second week, most patients should see a noticeable improvement.

Bruising often settles substantially within around two weeks, although it can last longer in some people. NHS guidance from Frimley Health states that eyelids can remain bruised and swollen for around two weeks, while Newcastle Hospitals notes that bruising normally settles within two weeks but severe bruising can persist for longer.

This is also when many people start feeling comfortable being seen socially again.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the eyelids look completely normal.

There may still be some puffiness, redness around the incision and subtle asymmetry caused by residual swelling. This can be particularly noticeable if you have had surgery on both the upper and lower eyelids.

The important thing is that the overall trend should generally be towards improvement.

Can you exercise after blepharoplasty?

Exercise is one area where blepharoplasty aftercare instructions can differ between surgeons.

The concern is that strenuous activity, bending and straining can increase blood flow and potentially contribute to swelling or bleeding during the early healing period.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeWiki guidance recommends avoiding lifting, bending, straining and exercise for the first 10 days after upper blepharoplasty. Royal Free London NHS guidance recommends avoiding strenuous exercise for two weeks, although walking is permitted.

So, while a gentle walk may be fine, your first week probably isn’t the time to return to heavy weights, running or anything involving heroic levels of straining.

Your surgeon should give you a specific timetable based on your procedure and recovery.

When can you wear makeup after blepharoplasty?

Makeup is another common question, particularly if you’re hoping to get back to work or socialising quickly.

You should avoid putting makeup directly around healing incisions until your surgeon has confirmed that it is safe.

Cambridge University Hospitals advises that eyelid makeup can be worn from around two weeks after surgery, while other NHS guidance may recommend a longer wait depending on the procedure and healing process.

The reason is fairly simple.

Applying and removing makeup involves touching the eyelid, while makeup itself can potentially irritate a healing wound.

There is no prize for getting your eyeliner back on three days early.

Wait until the area has healed sufficiently and follow the advice provided by your surgical team.

What should you do during blepharoplasty recovery?

Good blepharoplasty aftercare is not particularly complicated, but it does require a little discipline.

Your surgeon may recommend:

• Using prescribed eye drops or ointment
• Keeping your head elevated while sleeping
• Using cold compresses as directed
• Avoiding rubbing or pulling the eyelids
• Keeping the incision areas clean
• Avoiding strenuous exercise during the early recovery period
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors
• Protecting the healing skin from excessive sun exposure
• Attending your postoperative appointments

You should also be particularly gentle when cleaning around the eyes.

Newcastle Hospitals advises patients to avoid wiping or dragging the lower eyelid during the first two weeks because this can place unnecessary stress on the healing area.

Sunglasses aren’t just useful for hiding the evidence from your colleagues, either.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends diligent sun protection and darkly tinted sunglasses during the healing process.

When can you return to work after blepharoplasty recovery?

There isn’t a single answer because it depends heavily on your job and your recovery.

Some patients may feel capable of returning to work within a few days, particularly if they work from home or have a relatively sedentary role. Others may prefer to take one to two weeks away from work because bruising and swelling can remain visible.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes initial wound healing as taking approximately 10 to 14 days and says patients should generally be ready to return to work and normal activity after around two weeks.

If your work involves physical activity, heavy lifting or prolonged exposure to dust, wind or other irritants, you may need longer.

And if your job involves being on camera all day, you may want to allow a little extra time.

Technically ready for work and enthusiastic about appearing on Zoom are two entirely different medical conditions.

When will you see the final blepharoplasty results?

This is probably the most important expectation to set.

You can expect the appearance of your eyelids to improve significantly during the first two weeks, but blepharoplasty results continue to develop after that.

Swelling gradually settles, the incision lines soften and scars become less noticeable.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that healing continues for several weeks and that complete recovery can take several months. More recent ASPS commentary on eyelid surgery also notes that subtle residual swelling can remain for several months, with final results potentially taking three to four months or longer.

So don’t judge your surgery at day seven.

Or day 14, for that matter.

At two weeks, you are looking at a work in progress.

When should you contact your surgeon?

Most swelling, bruising and irritation following blepharoplasty are expected parts of recovery. However, there are symptoms that should not simply be put down to normal healing.

You should contact your surgical team urgently if you experience significant or sudden changes in vision, severe swelling or pain, significant bleeding, double vision or other concerning changes.

EyeWiki specifically advises contacting the surgical team for loss of vision, double vision, bleeding or severe swelling or pain.

Increasing redness accompanied by increasing pain should also be assessed rather than ignored.

When it comes to surgery around the eyes, it is better to ask the question and discover that everything is fine than to sit at home hoping something concerning will sort itself out.

Blepharoplasty recovery: what should you expect after two weeks?

The first two weeks of blepharoplasty recovery are usually when the most obvious bruising and swelling start to disappear.

The first few days can be the most dramatic. By the end of the first week, many patients are beginning to feel more comfortable and may have their stitches removed. During the second week, the eyes generally start looking much more natural, although some swelling and bruising may remain.

After two weeks, you are likely to have a much better idea of the result.

But you’re not necessarily finished healing.

That distinction matters. Initial wound healing and returning to everyday life can happen relatively quickly, while subtle swelling, scar maturation and the final appearance of the eyelids can continue developing for months.

The best approach is therefore fairly boring: follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, give yourself enough downtime, don’t rush back into strenuous exercise and try not to judge the result while your face is still healing.

In other words, blepharoplasty recovery is measured in weeks, while the final result is measured in months.

Plan accordingly.

Frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty recovery

How long does blepharoplasty recovery take?

Initial healing generally takes around 10 to 14 days, although swelling and other subtle changes can continue for several weeks or months. Many patients can return to work and normal activities within around two weeks, depending on their procedure and occupation.

How long are you swollen after blepharoplasty?

Swelling is usually most noticeable during the first few days and gradually improves. Some residual swelling can remain for several weeks, particularly following lower eyelid surgery.

How long does bruising last after blepharoplasty?

Bruising commonly improves within around two weeks, although some patients can experience bruising for longer.

When can I exercise after blepharoplasty?

The timing varies, but strenuous exercise is commonly restricted for around 10 days to two weeks. Walking is generally introduced sooner, provided your surgeon has not advised otherwise.

When can I wear makeup after blepharoplasty?

Many patients can resume eyelid makeup at around two weeks, but you should wait until the incisions have healed sufficiently and follow your surgeon’s specific advice.

When will I see my final blepharoplasty results?

The appearance of the eyelids continues to change as swelling settles and scars mature. Although the initial recovery may take around two weeks, final results can take several months to become fully apparent.