Recovery from Blepharoplasty Isn’t Impossible

Oct 7
07:09

2010

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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Although blepharoplasty may not sound like the most pleasant procedure, the recovery process may not be as bad as you’ve anticipated.

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Ever been poked in the eye? It isn’t a pleasant experience. Most people cringe when they think about anything touching their eye or tear up if the sun’s glare is too bright. Our eyes are very sensitive,Recovery from Blepharoplasty Isn’t Impossible Articles which is why recovery from a cosmetic surgery such as blepharoplasty can be a frustrating process for some people. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, helps rejuvenate the eyes by removing excess fat and tightening the muscles, making them appear smoother, younger and refreshed. While not a vacation, the recovery period is generally not as bad as many patients would imagine.

The important thing to remember when choosing to undergo a cosmetic procedure such as blepharoplasty is that recovery times vary greatly by the individual. Each surgery, surgeon, and patient is unique, which means it is impossible to predict the outcome. If you’re very concerned about the process, a decent gauge of how well you might recover is by recalling previous surgeries (if any), injuries, and illnesses you’ve sustained in your lifetime. Generally, if you bruise like a peach and injuries seem to linger, you may have to suffer a bit longer. Others tend to pull through traumas like a champ, never seeming to develop a single mark. Your surgeon can also help give you a rough guideline of your potential recovery timeline, but always add some leeway in case something unexpected occurs.

Immediately following blepharoplasty, your eyes will probably feel dry and sore. Your surgeon will provide you with a special ointment to apply to the area in order to keep it moist. Elevating your head with some extra pillows will help reduce swelling to the face. Ice packs are also recommended to ease swelling, bruising and discomfort. As your eyes will feel tight and sore, your surgeon may also supply you with some eye drops to help fight symptoms.

By the end of the first week, you’ll probably be feeling a bit more comfortable and the major swelling may be showing signs of improvement. You’ll now need to start wearing sunglasses to help protect your eyes. Your surgeon will tell you how long it is necessary that you keep them on. You may also choose to avoid activities that make your eyes more sensitive, such as watching television, reading, or going outside for too long. While you may slowly start to feel better during this period, for the next few weeks you will have periods of extreme sensitivity in the region, excessive tearing, tightness, and occasionally difficulty seeing or blurred vision. You may also experience “red” eyes more often than normal. Most of these problems are a part of the healing process, but if you ever experience extreme pain or discomfort, contact a doctor immediately as it could be a sign of something more serious.

Most patients feel able to return to work within a week or two following blepharoplasty surgery. If you work with computers or hold an occupation in a similar work environment which may increase your eye sensitivity, you may wish to take longer to recover.

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