Among the most common cosmetic treatments for people wanting a more young, revitalized look is eyelid surgery, sometimes called blepharoplasty.
This operation provides major cosmetic advantages whether you are removing extra fat or addressing drooping eyes. But, like any operation, it has a recovery process usually including edema.
Though eyelid surgery is somewhat common, how can you tell when the swelling you’re having is part of the usual healing or when it suggests something could be wrong?
This article will clarify what to anticipate in terms of swelling, what is normal, and, more crucially, when you should contact your surgeon for direction.
This will guarantee that you are taking the required actions toward recovering safely and successfully and help to give you peace of mind during your recovery.
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Overview: Eyelid Surgery Swelling
Any surgical surgery will unavoidably induce swelling; it is your body’s normal reaction to the trauma sustained throughout the process.
Blepharoplasty, which removes extra skin or fat by cutting along the eyelids, starts this process.
To start the healing process, the body sends blood and fluids to the damaged location, resulting in swelling. Your body uses this process to make sure the tissues are being mended and adequately fed.
Depending on various variables, including the degree of the surgery, your skin type, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s post-operative directions, swelling can differ significantly from person to person.
Whether you had upper, lower, or both upper and lower eyelid surgery will also affect swelling.
Swelling Types: Localized vs. Widespread
After eyelid surgery, you could suffer two kinds of swelling: localized swelling (which impacts the eyelids themselves) and more extensive swelling (which might influence the surrounding areas like your cheeks and forehead).
Your general health, any underlying diseases, and how much fluid collects during the healing process will all help to determine the degree of edema.
What is Normal Swelling?
Setting expectations for what is normal in terms of swelling following eyelid surgery is crucial. Though it can take longer to go, swelling is a transient problem. Let’s examine what to anticipate at various phases of your recuperation.
First 24 to 48 Hours
Often, the most dramatic are the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. You will probably see notable swelling, which might be followed by bruising.
Swelling is most noticeable in this first stage, particularly around the eyes. You could feel some pain as well as puffy eyelids. This swelling is usually localized and will impact both the upper and lower eyelids.
It’s important to properly follow your surgeon’s directions throughout this period.
During this period, your closest allies will be ice packs or cold compresses. They can help in lowering the first swelling by limiting the fluid buildup in the area and narrowing blood arteries.
Resting and sleeping with your head raised will help to promote fluid evacuation and lower swelling.
Initial Week
The worst of the swelling and bruising should begin to fade by the end of the first week.
The swelling around your eyes should be less severe than the first two days, but it will still be visible.
There may still be bruising around the eyes and some edema that spreads to nearby facial areas.
Though you should still avoid vigorous exercise, at this point you might start to feel more at ease and even be able to return to some light activities.
Pain relievers and antibiotics, among recommended drugs, will assist in controlling discomfort, bruising, and swelling. It’s also a good moment to go back to your surgeon for a follow-up visit to verify your recovery is advancing as planned.
Initial Month
The swelling should keep getting better after the first few weeks. Most of the swelling should be gone by the end of the first month, but you may still see some puffiness, especially in the morning.
Though complete healing can take months, many patients start to feel like themselves again during this period and are able to go back to work and resume regular activities.
At this stage of your recuperation, it is advisable to keep following any recommendations your surgeon provided, such as avoiding direct sunlight and ensuring your head is elevated while sleeping.
Although you might begin to feel good about how your eyelids look, remember that total healing is still in progress.
Long-Term Recovery
The remaining swelling will keep going down in the months after your operation. Depending on the degree of the operation and personal variables, full resolution of edema can take anywhere from six months to a year.
Though it’s crucial to be patient as your body heals, your eyes should at this point appear natural, revitalized, and younger.
Signs That Something Could Be Wrong
Although some swelling is natural, too much or too lengthy swelling could indicate a problem.
Here is a breakdown of when swelling could be more than simply normal healing and when you should contact your surgeon.
Excessive or Persistent Swelling
Swelling that does not progressively decline over time is a warning sign.
Contact your surgeon right away if the swelling around your eyes lasts much beyond the first few weeks or appears to worsen instead of improve.
They might have to check the area to eliminate problems or change your post-operative care strategy.
Intense Pain or Discomfort
You may feel sore and uncomfortable for a few days, but it should improve.
Severe pain following the first healing period or pain that appears to worsen despite taking painkillers could suggest something like internal bleeding or infection.
Growing Redness Or Swelling Around Incisions
As your incisions heal, it’s usual for them to look somewhat red or irritating. Increased redness, warmth, or swelling near the incision sites, however, can indicate infection.
Pus or any discharge from the incision site is still another indication to contact your surgeon right away.
Vision Defects
Serious vision problems are never usual, even when minor discomfort and blurred vision can follow eyelid surgery from swelling.
Major vision changes, such as double vision or sudden loss of eyesight, should prompt immediate contact with your surgeon. Vision issues could suggest a problem needing urgent care.
Issues of Symmetry
Swelling should usually be symmetrical. So both eyes should exhibit comparable amounts of edema.
If one eye looks much bigger than the other, or if the difference is still noticeable after a few weeks, it could be a sign of something wrong. In this case, you should talk to your therapist about your problems.
How to Control Swelling Effectively
Controlling edema properly can help you heal more quickly and reduce the likelihood of problems.
Following eyelid surgery, here is some important advice for managing swelling:
Post-Surgery Care
- During the first 48 hours, put ice or cold packs on your eyes to reduce swelling.
- Wrap the ice in a cloth so that it doesn’t touch your skin, which could cause hypothermia.
- Sleep with your head higher. Use extra pillows to support yourself during the first week after surgery.
- Rest and avoid heavy work or strenuous activities that may stress the area around your eyes. This will give your body time to heal.
Medications
- To control moderate swelling and pain, your surgeon can provide over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Only take drugs as directed.
- Your doctor could recommend painkillers to aid recuperation and antibiotics to avoid infection.
Note: DO NOT take any medications that are not prescribed by your surgeon. Talk to your doctor about taking medications before your procedure.
Diet and Hydration
Dehydration can aggravate swelling, so drink lots of water to remain hydrated.
Concentrate on consuming anti-inflammatory foods—leafy greens, berries, and omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like salmon and walnuts—which can help your body heal.
Things to Stay Away From
- For at least two to four weeks after surgery, don’t do any intense exercise, like cardio or pulling weights.
- Heat and direct sunlight (like spas) can make edema worse. When your surgeon says it’s okay to go outside, make sure to wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
When to Get in Touch with Your Surgeon
- Ongoing or worsening edema not getting better with time
- Infection symptoms include redness, heat, or incision discharge.
- Vision issues comprise sudden loss of sight or hazy vision.
- Severe or worsening pain that persists despite medicine.
- Apparent asymmetry or problems with the general aesthetic outcome
If something seems wrong, contact your surgeon for help.
You Deserve a Safe Eyelid Procedure
A good recovery depends on how well you care for yourself and your faith in your medical team.
You will eventually be able to enjoy the beautiful, refreshed eyes you have been hoping for if you are patient and get the right care.
For more post-surgery advice, call us at the Sadeghi Center for Plastic Surgery.