Sutures are absorbable and require no removal. Make-up can be worn within three days of surgery. Most patients can return to near normal activity within a very few days of their surgery. Bruising, coupled with some swelling, often persists for several days beyond that time, but is easily camouflaged by make-up or sunglasses. Discomfort is usually relatively mild after blepharoplasty although, this will vary.
Most patients require little or no pain medication.
Some minor irritation of the eyes is common and may occur for several days after the operation. Close adherence to your postoperative instructions will greatly diminish the discomfort, swelling and bruising that you will have after your surgery. Serious complications are most unusual and those that occur can usually be corrected. Since there is variation in the scar contracture following this operation, wise and conscientious surgeons are always careful to leave a little extra skin in the lower eyelids. This minimizes the risk of a complication called ectropion - in which the lower lid is pulled down and outward.