Recovery after blepharoplasty – how do eyelids heal?

Day of surgery

You go home or back to your hotel the same day. Do not drive – arrange transport. The lids are swollen, may ooze slightly and water, and vision can be blurry for a while because of ointment. Apply cold compresses through gauze in short sessions, as instructed.

Days 1–3

• swelling and bruising increase and peak on day 2–3 – this is normal,
• sleep with your head raised on two pillows,
• keep using cold compresses,
• avoid bending over, lifting and exertion,
• limit reading, phone and screen time – your eyes tire and dry faster,
• use the drops and ointment prescribed; take only the painkillers your doctor recommends (some increase bleeding risk).

Days 4–7

Swelling gradually goes down and bruises turn yellowish. Around day 5–7 you have a follow-up visit and stitch removal. After that many people feel well enough to go for walks and do light everyday activities.

Week 2

• most bruising has faded,
• return to desk work – usually after 7–10 days,
• eye make-up – with your doctor's approval, usually about a week after stitch removal,
• contact lenses – usually after about 2 weeks.

Weeks 3–6

• light exercise – usually after 3 weeks; intense training and swimming – after 4–6 weeks,
• sauna and sunbeds – not for several weeks,
• the scar is pink and may feel slightly firm – this is part of maturing.

Months 3–6

Residual swelling settles, the scar fades and softens. After lower-lid surgery swelling can last longer than after upper-lid surgery. The final result is usually judged at 3–6 months.

How to support healing

• protect your lids from the sun – wear sunglasses, and use sunscreen on the scar once stitches are out,
• do not rub your eyes,
• avoid smoking, and alcohol during the first week,
• use lubricating drops if your eyes feel dry,
• attend all follow-up visits.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Contact the clinic immediately by phone – or, if that is not possible, go to the emergency department – if you have:

• increasing, severe pain in the eye or eye socket,
• rapidly increasing, firm swelling or a bulging eye,
• worsening or loss of vision,
• bleeding that does not stop with pressure.

These may indicate bleeding behind the eye – a rare but serious complication that needs urgent help. Also contact your doctor if you have a fever, pus, increasing redness or a wound that opens.

Travelling from abroad

Plan to stay at least until the follow-up visit and stitch removal, i.e. about 7 days. Flying home is usually possible after the check-up if the doctor sees no reason against it. We help organise your stay in our packages.

Frequently asked questions