What is the down-time following eyelid surgery?

Following an upper or lower blepharoplasty, the overall down-time is about two weeks. It depends on how your body heals also, but the bruising and swelling tend to be present for about 10 days.

For an upper blepharoplasty, the swelling and bruising is primarily on the upper eyelid but will also involve the lower eyelid, due to the effects of gravity. For lower blepharoplasty, the swelling and bruising persists on the lower eyelid and does not involve the upper eyelid.

Most of our patients are quite presentable after a week following surgery, and female patients can wear some light foundation to hide the bruising by the end of the second week.

We give full after-care instructions following the surgery which will include cold packs; anti-inflammatory solution to use; and ointment for the eyes to prevent dryness; and advise as to when you can start using make-up.