As you age, your eyelids can stretch and weaken, leading to “baggy” or hooded eyelids. This is a common result of lost skin elasticity. No matter how many excellent skin creams or serums you use, sagging eyelids can still occur, sometimes exacerbated by facial movements or genetics.
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eye lift or “Bleph,” is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses these changes by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat around the eyes. It aims to improve the appearance of your eyes, helping you look younger, more rested, and more vibrant.
While it’s a relatively straightforward surgery with impressive results, here are some tips for a quicker recovery, based on my experience and that of my friends:
The Procedure Itself
Your Doctor will most likely ask you to stop taking supplements about a week before your surgery, specifically supplements that thin the blood at they want to be able to do sutures without excessive bleeding. During the surgery, your eyelid area will be numbed. My procedure took about an hour and was fairly straightforward. I wasn’t given any anesthesia or medication to “put me under,” though I know a friend who had “twilight anesthesia.” I believe this varies by doctor; it wasn’t offered to me, and I didn’t want it. You should have someone drive you home, as you’ll likely experience some heat and pain immediately afterward.
Day 1 Recovery
- Prepare ice packs in advance: You will have SIGNIFICANT bruising and that is 100% normal! Fill baggies with Karo syrup and freeze them. These soft, frozen bags offer immediate relief for your eyes. Amazon also sells soft, gel-filled circular rounds that are helpful. I used both.
- Use prescribed antibiotic gel: You’ll likely be prescribed an antibiotic gel for your eyelid sutures. I recommend using this liberally and often to prevent the stitches from drying out.
- Keep ice packs clean: Your icy bags and gel rounds will get sticky from the gel cream, so have plenty of frozen bags ready. Simply wash and refreeze them in a large Ziploc bag to keep them clean.
- Manage pain: I took Tylenol for pain. Your doctor may prescribe something stronger; they’ll discuss pain management options with you.
- Sleep on your back: This is crucial. As a side sleeper, I struggled, but a wedge pillow helped me stay upright.
Day 2 Recovery
You’ll likely be swollen but experience less pain. It’s important to relax and avoid strenuous activities for the next week to allow your eyelids to heal without stretching or tearing.
Day 5 Recovery
I made the mistake of hosting a large birthday party for a friend just five days after my surgery. Even though I didn’t lift much, I still had my stitches in and looked quite rough. Plan ahead and avoid major commitments!
Day 7 Recovery
As the days progress, your eyelids may start to feel itchy as the skin heals. Stitches are typically removed about seven days after surgery. Thankfully, there’s almost instant relief when they come out. After stitch removal, check your stitch line; it’s not uncommon for a tiny bit of filament to be left behind. I had a small blue piece that worked its way out, but your doctor can remove anything left behind. Don’t be alarmed; it’s not a big deal, and you’ll really see the healing process speed up afterward!
After a week has passed, you can resume your supplement regimen. I do recommend a good skin formula that has Vitamin E & Vitamin C for healing support.
Silicone Scar Gel
Around day five, I started alternating the Dr. prescribed antibiotic gel with a silicone scar gel. Use the scar gel daily for months. It feels good on the incision and helps speed up healing while minimizing scarring.
NewGel+UV by MyNewGel combines silicone gel and non-chemical sunscreen to protect scars from UV exposure and minimize hyperpigmentation. This advanced formula creates a protective barrier, reducing scarring while providing soothing benefits. Ideal for exposed areas like the face, arms, and hands, it’s perfect for scar management and sun protection. Developed by doctors, these clinically proven strips reduce, flatten, and fade scars by sealing, hydrating, and applying pressure. Effective on both old and new scars, they are trusted in clinics and hospitals worldwide.
Sun Exposure
It’s crucial to use sunscreen and stay out of the sun as much as possible while your eyes heal. The initial healing process will be fairly immediate after a month, but results will continue to improve for up to six months. Be diligent with sun care and silicone scar gel use. This is why I love the NewGel Silicone + UV Scar Gel; it aids healing and contains UV protection. I’m using this RELIGIOUSLY this summer on my upper eyelids and there is NO irritation or stinging (just keep it away from your eyeball).
