What to Expect from Blepharoplasty Recovery:

A Comprehensive Guide for Denver Patients

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Undergoing blepharoplasty—commonly referred to as eyelid surgery—is a big step toward rejuvenating your appearance and improving your vision or confidence. Whether you’re pursuing upper eyelid correction or lower lid reshaping, knowing what to expect during recovery is essential for successful results. This comprehensive guide, specifically crafted for blepharoplasty patients in Denver, walks you through the entire recovery process, from day one through the first month and beyond.

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Part One: Understanding the Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

 

Recovery from eyelid surgery in Denver varies based on individual factors like skin type, age, overall health, and whether the procedure was done under local anesthesia or sedation. That said, here is a general timeline of symptoms and healing milestones that patients typically experience after blepharoplasty.

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Day 1: Immediately After Surgery

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On the first day, your eyes and eyelids will feel swollen, tight, and possibly bruised. This is completely normal and expected. If you’ve had your surgery performed under local anesthesia in a Denver plastic surgery office or under sedation at an ASC, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

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Common Day-1 Symptoms:

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• Swelling and puffiness around the eyes

• Mild to moderate bruising

• Slight bleeding or blood-tinged tears

• Sensitivity to light

• Tightness in the eyelids

• Blurred vision due to ointment

• Tearing or dry-eye sensation    

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 Important Guidelines for Day 1:  

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• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery

• Do not drink alcohol for 72 hours

• Avoid making legal or financial decisions

• No smoking for at least one week

• Take prescribed medications like Percocet for pain as needed (most patients report little to no pain)

• Apply erythromycin ointment to the stitches and the eye (especially if dry)

• Keep your head elevated at a 30-degree angle while sleeping     

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First Week: Days 2–7:

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During the first week of recovery, you’ll see a gradual decrease in swelling and bruising. Applying cold compresses in the first 48 hours will speed up healing, and many patients in Denver find it helpful to rest indoors due to the city’s dry air and sunlight intensity at altitude.

 

Symptoms to Expect:

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• Swelling continues but starts to decrease

• Bruising becomes more colorful (purple → green → yellow)

• Eyes may feel gritty or itchy

• Light sensitivity may persist

• Possible dry eye or mild tearing

• Minimal bleeding at incision sites

• Scabs may begin to form at incision lines

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Activity Guidelines for Week 1:

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• Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or nose blowing

• No lifting objects over 10 pounds

• No strenuous activities or exercise

• Showering is allowed, but avoid direct spray on your face

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Wound Care Tips:

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• Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily using a Q-tip

• Continue using eye ointment if your eyes feel dry

• Do not rub or scratch the incision area

• Lubricating eye drops (Artificial tears ) can be helpful

• Ointment in the eye at night can help lubricate your eyes as well

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When to Call Your Surgeon:

Contact Dr. Thiagarajah (or your Denver blepharoplasty surgeon) immediately if you experience:

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• Sudden vision loss

• Excessive bleeding

• Bulging of the eye

• Severe or increasing pain

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Second Week: Days 8–14:

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By the second week, most patients see a dramatic reduction in swelling and bruising. You’ll likely have a follow-up appointment around day 7–10 to remove stitches and ensure proper healing.

 

Symptoms May Include:

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• Minor residual bruising

• Tightness around the incision area

• Mild redness along the scar lines

• Dry or watery eyes (may alternate)

• Itchiness as the skin heals

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Expected Milestones:

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• Return to work (if non-strenuous)

• Use of makeup 

• Stitches are usually removed by this point if not sooner

• Dissolvable sutures take 3-4 weeks to dissolve

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Patients often feel confident going out in public with makeup or sunglasses. Denver’s dry climate can exacerbate dry eyes during healing, so continue to use artificial tears if needed.

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First Month: Weeks 3–4:

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By the third and fourth weeks, the majority of healing is complete, though subtle swelling and tightness may persist. Scars will begin to fade but may still be slightly red or pink.

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Symptoms May Include:

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• Minor residual swelling, especially in the mornings

• Temporary numbness or tingling in the incision area

• Small visible scar lines that are slowly fading

• Tight feeling when blinking

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Activity Recommendations:

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• Gradual return to full exercise

• Continue sleeping with your head elevated if swelling persists

• Avoid tanning or direct sun exposure on scars (use SPF)

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Part Two: Dos and Don’ts for Blepharoplasty Recovery

 

✅ DO These Things After Your Blepharoplasty in Denver

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• Follow all surgeon instructions carefully
  Your post-operative plan is tailored to you. Follow wound care, medications, and appointments without exception.

• Use prescribed ointments
  Apply erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to the sutures and eyes if they feel dry.

• Sleep with your head elevated
  This helps drain fluid and reduce puffiness. Use 2–3 pillows or a wedge pillow to maintain a 30-degree angle.

• Wear sunglasses outdoors
  Denver’s high-altitude sunlight can irritate healing eyes. Always protect them from UV exposure.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  Foods rich in vitamins A and C, lean protein, and hydration support skin healing.

• Attend all follow-up visits
  Your surgeon needs to assess healing and remove sutures. Delaying visits can lead to complications.

• Call your surgeon for emergencies
  If you experience excessive bleeding, vision changes, or eye bulging, contact Dr Thiagarajah immediately.

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❌ DON’T Do These Things After Blepharoplasty

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• Don’t smoke
  Nicotine impairs healing and increases your risk of infection and scarring. Avoid for at least one week (ideally longer).

• Don’t rub your eyes
  Even if they itch or feel gritty, touching them can disrupt healing and introduce bacteria.

• Don’t resume heavy lifting or workouts early
  Straining can increase blood pressure in the face, leading to bleeding or swelling.

• Don’t expose your eyes to dusty, windy environments
  The Denver climate can be harsh on healing tissues. Wear protective eyewear if necessary.

• Don’t skip ointments or wound care
  Proper application of antibiotic ointment helps prevent infection and promotes scar healing.

• Don’t wear contact lenses until cleared
  Your eyes need time to recover before lenses are reintroduced. Typically, wait 2–3 weeks.

• Don’t drink alcohol
  Avoid for at least 72 hours, as alcohol can thin the blood and contribute to swelling and bruising.

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Long-Term Results and Final Thoughts

 

By the end of your first month post-op, your eyes should look significantly more refreshed. Most Denver blepharoplasty patients report a brighter, more youthful appearance and improved vision (if excess skin was obstructing sight). Final results are typically visible around 3 months after surgery, when residual swelling has completely resolved and scars begin to fade into natural creases.

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Scar Care Tips:

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• Use silicone-based scar gels (if recommended)

• Protect scars from the sun with SPF 30+

• Be patient—scars mature and flatten over time

 

Conclusion: Choosing Blepharoplasty in Denver

 

Recovery from blepharoplasty in Denver doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation and by following Dr Thiagarajah's advice, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy lasting, natural-looking results. Whether you chose an in-office upper eyelid lift or a more comprehensive procedure at an ambulatory surgery center, understanding your recovery timeline will help ensure optimal healing and satisfaction.

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If you're considering eyelid lifting in Denver, schedule a consultation with Dr Thiagarajah to get a personalized treatment and recovery plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals.