According to recent figures from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is the third most frequently performed cosmetic surgery. This should not be a surprise because the eyes, particularly the eyelids, are often the first to show signs of aging. The upper eyelids may become hollowed and droopy due to the gradual loss of natural creases, while the lower eyelids tend to become puffy with excess fat.
What you do during the recovery period is one of the most important factors that influence surgical outcomes. During Eyelid Surgery recovery, a considerable amount of swelling at the incision site and the surrounding areas is normal.
The following simple measures can help shorten the duration of swelling after surgery and consequently reduce your discomfort:
- Limit your salt intake. Salt retains fluid in the body and will only worsen the swelling. Pay special attention to highly processed foods (take-out, anyone?) that are laden with large amounts of salt. Skip the chips while watching movies during recovery!
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping. By doing so, gravity can help drain the accumulated fluids.
- Ice packs are your best friend! Keep cold compresses at hand for the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery and apply them regularly during the daytime.
- Take it easy a couple of weeks after surgery. Resuming vigorous exercises and lifting prematurely will only prolong the post-operative swelling. At our practice, we recommend waiting for at least four to six weeks post-surgery before resuming vigorous physical activities.
Call (585) 922-5840 to learn more about recovering after eyelid surgery!
