There are certain things that a patient who has undergone blepharoplasty should be prepared for. When recovering from any form of surgery around the eye, there are certain lifestyle changes to make to give the body its best chance at healing. The best course of action is for the patient to discuss it with the plastic surgeon and prepare for the recovery before undergoing the plastic surgery blepharoplasty procedure. What follows will be an overview of what to expect, and how to achieve the best results.

The initial swelling and bruising after blepharoplasty can be intense. This is because the skin and tissue around the eye is some of the thinnest and most fragile on the body. The best way to minimize this swelling is by keeping the head elevated, drinking plenty of clear fluids, and limiting sodium intake. For the first two days when swelling is at its worst, blinking rapidly can help to flush excess fluid from around the eye area. Luckily, the worst of the swelling usually subsides within just several days, although it often takes 4 to 6 months, and sometimes even up to a year for the swelling to disappear completely.

Anyone scheduled for blepharoplasty will be given a prescription for pain medication, and possibly an anti-inflammatory as well. Since driving is not an option for at least a couple of days after any kind of eye surgery, it would be wise to fill any prescriptions ahead of time. Stocking up on soup, gelatin, and similar food items would also be advisable, since many patients experience a lack of appetite for a couple of days after surgery.

Dryness, itching, and redness in and around the eyes are all very common after blepharoplasty. These symptoms can be minimized by using an over the counter moisturizing eye drop or ointment. Avoid any sort of harsh or drying facial products, as these could aggravate the issue.

Its recommended that a post-operative blepharoplasty patient avoid the sun as much as possible for at least the first couple of weeks. After that, wear sunglasses, hats and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 45 to protect the healing eye area.

Going into blepharoplasty with realistic expectations about the recovery will make the process easier. Recovery is going to be different for every patient. Overall, blepharoplasty is a relatively minor surgical procedure, but like any surgery it should be approached with caution and preparation.