Blepharoplasty process
Details of the blepharoplasty operation process and its post-operation.
The day of the procedure
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. It is performed in the operating room under local anaesthesia and sedation, controlled by an anaesthetist.
The duration of the procedure is highly variable, depending on the complexity of the case. After the surgery, thin plasters are placed covering the wounds, and a cold pack is applied to the periocular area to reduce inflammation. The patient returns home the same day.
The following day, the patient will go to the clinic for their first check-up. The wound will be treated and the care to be followed will be reviewed.
The first days of the post-operative period, the patient will have swelling on the eyelids, and a sensation of tightness in the eyes.
First week
The first 24 hours, the patient may have blurred vision and will have more or less bruising.
That same afternoon, the clinic staff will contact the patient to assess their progress and be able to respond to any queries or clarifications.
In turn, to speed up recovery, we recommend:
- Sleeping with the headboard up higher. A common practice is the use of 2 pillows. This practice facilitates sleeping on your back, thus avoiding rubbing with the sheet, which can lead to the stitches coming out.
- Applying cold, as much as possible, to reduce inflammation. The cold should not come into direct contact with the skin, as it will damage the thin skin of the eyelids.
- Medication to reduce inflammation or tightness.
- Showering with lukewarm water. In this way, we prevent the hot water from creating mist, moistening the bathroom and therefore the plasters. Also avoid getting your head wet.
- The sensation of itching and dryness is completely natural and normal after the procedure, simply apply eye drops that will lubricate and protect the cornea.
- Wear sunglasses at all times where you can be exposed to the sun's rays.
After a week, second check-up
After the first week, the patient will go to the second check-up, when the stitches are usually removed.
Once the stitches have been removed, the patient can put on makeup to hide any purple or yellowish tones that may still be present. However, to use eye makeup, you will have to wait up to 15 days after the procedure. Subsequent check-ups will depend on each case.
Other recommendations:
- We recommend waiting at least 15 days to do sports and always with a progressive return.
- We recommend waiting 15 days before travelling, especially by plane.
- The use of mascara will only be allowed after 21 days.
- Avoid hot environments prone to causing dry eyes.
