Eyelid Surgery is one of the most common surgeries in Colorado, the United States and the world. Though most patients in Denver think of “eyelid lift” as eyelid surgery there are 100s of surgeries that can be done on the eyelid. That being said, recovery for eyelid surgery is very similar in many cases. Here are the most common questions for eyelid surgery recovery.

1.Can I drive after eyelid surgery?

After eyelid surgery, there is no restriction on driving per se but patients will often feel that their vision is not great, their eyes “feel sore” after surgery. Usually patients will feel up to driving after three or four days but this can sometimes be as long as two weeks.

2. Can I watch TV/use computer after eyelid surgery?

After eyelid surgery, there is no restriction to “use your eyes”. If you feel up to it, you can read, watch TV, use the computer. This will in no way harm or hurt your eyelid surgery.

3. What about exercise after eyelid surgery?

After eyelid surgery such as an eyelift, exercise, straining or increasing your heartrate is not good. It increases the risk of a bleed behind the eye resulting in vision loss or blindness. I recommend to my blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery patients to hold off exercise for two weeks.

4. How long is the downtime after eyelid surgery?

Most patients will need a downtime of two weeks after eyelid surgery. After two weeks the swelling and bruising is down enough that they can return to normal function. This does not mean that they will “look normal” necessarily.

5. How long does bruising last after eyelid surgery?

Bruising goes away after two weeks in most patients but can last up to six weeks.

6. When can I use makeup after eyelid surgery?

Makeup after eyelid surgery can be used after one week such as coverup or eyeliner.

7. Is there pain after eyelid surgery?

There can be for sure. Pain increases blood pressure and the risk of bleeding. That being said, only about half of patients I perform surgery on need pain medicine. The short of it is, if you are in pain use the pain medicine but you might find you are ok with just Tylenol.

8. Can my eyelid be exposed to sunlight or covered after surgery?

The Colorado sunlight is brutal and can delay the healing of the incisions after eyelid surgery.

Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen (you should be using sunscreen anyway in Colorado) for 6 weeks after surgery.

9. When can I wear glasses after eyelid surgery?

You can immediately wear eyeglasses after eyelid surgery. This includes sunglasses.

10.

When can I shower after eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty?

It is possible to shower immediately after surgery but do not let the direct spray of water go all over your eyelids and face. In the first week, I have patients use a washcloth so the eyelids can heal properly.