Recovery Tips Following Your Eyelid Surgery | Encino, CA
Are you tired of seeing how old and fatigued you’re starting to look, despite getting lots of sleep and generally taking good care of yourself? When friends start making comments about this, you might start considering eyelid surgery. Just because drooping eyelids and undereye bags run in your family doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life putting up with this problem.
After your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Bresnick in Los Angeles, CA, you’ll schedule your surgery. While you wait for the date, it’s now time to start preparing for your recovery. Here are our best tips for ensuring that your healing process goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
Prepare For Your Recovery
While waiting for your surgery, start clearing your schedule and making plans to take it easy when it’s all over. Most people get back to their regular routine in about 10 to 14 days after eyelid surgery. Speed up your recovery by reviewing your primary responsibilities ahead of time.
Arrange for time off work and ask a friend to take your children to and from their activities. They could also drive you to and from your surgery appointment. Stock up your pantry and refrigerator with easy-to-prepare foods for yourself and your family.
Follow Your At-Home Self-Care Instructions
Your team at Dr. Bresnick’s practice will provide you with everything you’ll need for self-care at home after your eyelid procedure. That way, you’ll have everything you need on hand when you get home from surgery.
Some of the essentials for eyelid care following your surgery include eye drops to prevent dry eyes, cold compresses to reduce swelling, and a light, doctor-recommended ointment to keep your eyelids lubricated.
You can place frozen peas in small zipper bags and hold them inside a paper towel to gently dab your eyelids, being careful not to place them directly on the surgical area. The tissue of your eyelids is extremely fragile after surgery, so be careful to avoid any frostbite injuries.
You’ll also need to have some sterile gauze available to dab any oozing as your incisions heal.
Stay Focused on the Result
As your eyelids heal, you’ll undoubtedly be excited to see the results. However, keep reminding yourself to be patient and avoid causing any damage or delays during your healing process.
During the initial healing period, mentally prepare that you won’t look your best. Your eyelids will be puffy, the incisions could be red, and with the swelling and bruising, it may look like you have two black eyes.
After about two weeks, the swelling should have gone down, and after that, you’ll see the change — and what a difference you will see! Not only will you look younger and more awake, but your eyes will also be brighter, and you may even find it easier to see when your drooping upper eyelids are no longer obscuring your peripheral vision.
As your life approaches normality again, continue to take care of yourself and your eyes by following the additional tips offered below.
Keep up With the Sun Protection
Now’s the time to be even more diligent about protecting your eyes and eyelids from sunlight and other elements like the wind and cold. Buy dark sunglasses with frames that cover your eyes entirely, including the sides. Wear a hat for extra protection, and be sure to follow Dr. Bresnick’s post-surgery instructions about applying sunscreen.
Go Easy on your Eyes
For at least a week following your eyelid surgery, avoid activities that are notorious for causing dry eyes, like spending hours checking email, reading, or watching your favorite TV shows. Following this piece of advice will help speed up your recovery.
Get Plenty of Rest
Healing demands a lot of energy, and if you want to heal as quickly as possible, be sure to take naps when you feel tired.
Skip Strenuous Activities
During the first two to four weeks after your eyelid surgery, it’s crucial to avoid activities that increase blood pressure to your head, forcing more blood into your eyes. These include bending, lifting heavy items, and even lying flat on your back.
Avoid Smoking
If you smoke, remember that the chemicals in cigarettes constrict the blood vessels, reduce the blood supply to the healing tissues, and slow down healing. Not only could it affect your recovery, but it also heightens the risk of wound infections. You can avoid both problems if you stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
Learn More About Your Eyelid Recovery
For any questions or concerns about your eyelid surgery, while you recover, we’re here to help! At Dr. Stephen Bresnick in Encino, CA, our team is only a phone call away at (818) 981-3333.