Eyelid Surgery: How Much Time Will I Need Off?

Eye Care & Surgery Center NJ Bladeless LASIK Laser Cataract Surgeon Blog

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Eyelid Surgery: How Much Time Will I Need Off?

How Much Time Will I Need Off After Eyelid Surgery?
For patients considering eyelid surgery, knowing how long to be off work and what to expect in general helps patients plan. The recovery time following surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the type of surgery, their age and general health.  Even when undergoing the same procedure, patients may take different amounts of time to heal.



In general, for patients having uppereyelid blepharoplasty, 5 to 7 days off work is typical while for those having both and upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, up to 10 to 14 days may be necessary. Patients with occupations requiring minimal physical activity may be able to get back to work sooner.

All patients having eyelid surgery will experience some swelling and bruising that will gradually improve over the first 1 to 3 weeks.  Ice packs, head elevation, and rest may help minimize swelling. The amount of swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient and even from the left and right sides in the same patient. Mild bruising may resolve in 5-7 days, whereas more significant bruising may last 10-14 days. Makeup can be applied to help hide residual bruising, usually starting two weeks after surgery. 

If you or someone you know would like to know more about eyelid surgery, what to expect before, during and after eyelid surgery or schedule a consultation to find out if eyelid surgery might be helpful in looking their best, please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Baljeet Purewal, M.D. You may also learn more by visiting The Eye Care & Surgery Center, Google+ or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter.