If you’re planning to have upper or lower eyelid surgery, understanding the recovery process can help you get the youthful, refreshed results you’ve always wanted.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full recovery timeline for both upper and lower blepharoplasty. You’ll learn how each procedure works and when to follow up with your surgeon if you notice anything is not as expected.
If you’re ready to refresh your eye area, schedule your consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Dominic Castellano uses advanced, precise techniques to help you heal smoothly and achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery Timeline
Day of Surgery
After your upper eyelid blepharoplasty, you’ll leave the procedure with sutures along the upper lids. These sutures may be:
- A continuous “baseball stitch” along the skin
- Placed beneath the skin (subcuticular)
- Interrupted stitches, or a combination of techniques
Regardless of the method, your surgeon will create a clean closure that supports proper healing. When you get home, you’ll apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the incision. Be cautious not to overapply, as excessive ointment can irritate the eyes.
Post-Op Days 2–7
Mild swelling and bruising are normal during this time. Some patients may experience swelling without bruising, while others may have both. You should still be able to open your eyes and see clearly. If you experience significant pain, vision issues, or excessive swelling, contact your surgeon immediately.
Each day, gently clean the incision line using a Q-tip dipped in hydrogen peroxide, followed by a fresh layer of ointment. Crusting typically subsides as the week progresses.
Suture Removal and Follow-Up
By day 7, your surgeon will remove interrupted sutures and trim the ends of the running stitch. Depending on how you’re healing, they may leave the rest of the suture in place for a few more days or up to an additional week.
At your 10- to 14-day follow-up, your surgeon will remove any remaining sutures. At this point, the incision may appear slightly pink, which is a normal part of healing.
Long-Term Healing and Scar Maturation
While most swelling resolves within six weeks, the incision continues to mature over the next six months. During this period:
- Apply a small amount of sunscreen along the incision when going outdoors
- Wear a hat for extra protection
- Apply Vitamin E or Mederma (if approved by your surgeon)
With proper care and suture placement, the scar becomes nearly invisible over time.
Recovering from Lower Eyelid Surgery
Unlike the upper lids, lower eyelid blepharoplasty (when done via a transconjunctival approach) involves an incision inside the lower lid, so there are no visible scars and no sutures in most cases.
On the day of surgery and into the first night, you may experience some swelling and puffiness under the eyes. This is completely normal. As with upper eyelid surgery, if you experience pain, vision issues, or excessive bruising, please contact your surgeon immediately.
Lower lid incisions are made through the conjunctiva (the pink inner membrane), so the healing process is often quicker compared to upper lid surgery. Here’s what you can expect while recovering from your lower blepharoplasty:
- Week 1–2: Initial swelling and bruising.
- Weeks 3–6: Swelling continues to subside.
- Month 3: Most swelling is resolved; lower lids begin to show final contour
- Month 6: Final results become visible.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Aftercare
Your surgeon may recommend combining your lower lid blepharoplasty with laser skin resurfacing to tighten and smooth the skin. If this was part of your treatment:
- Apply ointment to the skin every 4–5 hours during the first few days
- At your one-week follow-up, you’ll switch from Aquaphor to a gentle moisturizer as part of your resurfacing aftercare
Potential Side Effects of Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
While complications from eyelid surgery are rare, it’s important to know when to contact your surgeon. Call your provider immediately if you experience:
- Pain with swelling
- Changes in vision
- Bleeding or bulging in the surgical area
If you’ve had laser resurfacing and notice dark discoloration (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, your surgeon may prescribe a topical cream to even out your skin tone.
Restore Your Youthful Look with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
If puffy, tired-looking eyes are impacting your confidence, Dr. Dominic Castellano will remove excess tissue to create a more rested, rejuvenated appearance. With clear aftercare instructions and regular follow-ups, he ensures a smooth healing process for natural-looking results.
Schedule your consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today and turn back the clock with personalized eyelid surgery.
