What blepharoplasty is
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess eyelid skin, and where needed, fatty tissue underneath, then tighten the muscle around the eye (American Academy of Ophthalmology). Upper eyelid surgery removes skin that has begun to fold over the lash line or sits heavy on the eye. Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness or loose skin below the eye. The two are planned separately, because each corrects a different fold of skin — the difference between them, and how to tell which one a given face needs, is covered in upper vs. lower eyelid surgery.
Day 1
Nearly all eyelid surgery is done as an outpatient procedure (AAO); the patient goes home the same day. Cold compresses are applied to the eyelids to limit swelling, and the head stays raised — even at rest, an extra pillow — for the same reason. The ointment used on the stitches can blur vision for the first day; this is the ointment, not the surgery itself, and it clears as the eye is cleaned and the ointment reapplied on schedule.
The first week: stitches, bruising, swelling
These are published ranges for the procedure, not this practice's own figures. The timeline for a specific operation is gone through before surgery.
- Stitches: removed by 1 week after surgery, unless dissolving sutures were used (NHS).
- Bruising and swelling: bruises and redness fade as the swelling goes down (NHS). Puffy, numb eyelids that are difficult to close fully are a common effect in the first days — expected, and temporary, as the swelling settles (NHS).
- Eyes feeling irritated, sensitive or watery: this settles as the eyelids heal (NHS).
Work, screens and reading
NHS gives 2 weeks off work as the published figure for eyelid surgery, depending on the job (NHS). Reading and screen use are limited in the first days by swelling and by the lubricating ointment rather than by a fixed rule; both become easier as the eyelids settle over the first week.
Contact lenses, make-up, sun and sunglasses
Contact lenses stay out until the eye is no longer dry, gritty or swollen enough to tolerate them comfortably — this is judged case by case, not on a fixed date. Make-up over the incision line waits until the stitches are out and the skin has closed. Sun protection matters from the first day: darkly tinted sunglasses are worn until healing is fully complete, both to protect the healing skin and to ease light sensitivity while the eyes are irritated (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Exercise and driving
Strenuous activity and swimming are avoided for a few days after surgery, and driving waits until reaction time and eyelid closure are back to normal (NHS).
When the scar fades
Eyelid scars sit in the natural crease of the upper lid or just below the lower lash line, and fade to be almost invisible as healing completes (NHS); noticeable scarring is listed as a possible, less common outcome rather than the expected one.
Risks, in plain words
- Dry, gritty or watery eyes that last a few weeks.
- Eyelids too puffy or numb to close fully in the first days, which is expected and temporary.
- Asymmetry between the two eyes.
- Blurred or double vision in the early recovery period.
- Rare, more serious complications: injury to the muscles that move the eye, bleeding into the eye socket, and visual impairment (NHS). Sudden pain, sudden vision loss or any unexpected symptom after surgery needs urgent medical attention, not a wait-and-see approach.
At this practice
Dr. Vincent ElKhoury, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, operates on every eyelid surgery case himself, at Hayek Hospital or Bellevue Medical Center. The consultation beforehand takes place at his clinic in Mansourieh, Metn. What the operation changes, how it is done, and the printed patient information sheet are on the blepharoplasty page. Some patients considering an eyelid change are choosing between surgery and a non-surgical option; that comparison is covered in eyelid surgery or Botox.
Questions
FAQ
How long does recovery from blepharoplasty take?
NHS gives 2 weeks off work as the published figure. Stitches are removed by 1 week after surgery unless dissolving sutures were used. Bruising and redness fade as swelling goes down, and irritated or watery eyes settle as the eyelids heal. These are published ranges for the procedure; the timeline for a specific patient is gone through before surgery.
Is blurred vision after eyelid surgery normal?
Yes, in the early recovery period. On day 1 it is the lubricating ointment used on the stitches, not the surgery itself. Blurred or double vision can also occur as an occasional complication while swelling settles. Sudden vision loss is different and needs urgent medical attention.
When can contact lenses and make-up be used again after eyelid surgery?
Contact lenses stay out until the eye is no longer dry, gritty or swollen enough to tolerate them comfortably, judged case by case. Make-up over the incision line waits until the stitches are out and the skin has closed.
What are the risks of eyelid surgery?
Common effects include dry or watery eyes and eyelids too puffy or numb to close fully in the first days, both temporary. Occasional complications include asymmetry and blurred vision. Rare, more serious complications include injury to the eye muscles, bleeding into the eye socket, and visual impairment — sudden pain or vision loss needs urgent medical attention.