With age comes many unwanted changes. For many, these changes include deepened eye wrinkles. With the help of advanced cosmetic procedures like blepharoplasty, otherwise known as eyelid surgery, your age can go back to being just a number! But, before jumping into this beautification procedure, there are five things you should know.
Preparing for Common Recovery Symptoms
While blepharoplasty is a relatively minimally invasive procedure, there are some common symptoms to expect during recovery. First and foremost, you should expect to experience some swelling around the eyes. Swelling may be minimal at first, but can worsen over time. To prevent further swelling and reduce current swelling, cold compresses and ice packs can help. Typically, swelling will last two weeks. Another common symptom of blepharoplasty is scratchy, itchy eyes. It may also be irritable to blink at first, but continue to do so frequently as this can help the eyes with feelings of dryness and irritation.
Be Prepared to Give Your Eyes Rest
Resting during recovery from a blepharoplasty is a must if you want to recover quickly. So, instead of engaging in activities that you would have to use your eyes, be prepared to find a few other ways to spend your time in recovery. Watching tv, playing games on your phone, and reading all take eye movement. And, during these activities, you may be less likely to blink as frequently as you should during your recovery. Instead, consider activities in which you can find time to rest your eyes, like listening to a book on tape or the radio.
Prepare to Go Without Makeup
Applying and wearing makeup during a blepharoplasty recovery may not be the best idea. Doing so can actually reopen the incision made during the procedure. So, to heal the best way possible and to ensure a fast and effective recovery, you should consider putting your makeup routine on hold for a couple of weeks.
Consider a Few Lifestyle Changes
Because you’ll be recovering from eyelid surgery, there are a few things you will not be able to do, especially in the beginning. These activities include taking a shower, sleeping on your stomach, and inviting pets into the bed at night. Consider your daily tasks and determine which lifestyle changes you’ll need to make after your procedure. This way, you’ll be prepared to make these changes during your recovery.
Prepare to Relax
Most activities will require you to use your eyes. So, it’s important to prepare for a state of relaxation post-blepharoplasty. Vigorous and strenuous activities should be avoided at all costs during the recovery period. Prepare to take it easy for at least two weeks following surgery.
Ready to make your blepharoplasty appointment in the Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd areas? Consider Dr. Emily Pollard at Pollard Plastic Surgery and be confident with the cosmetic procedure you choose! Call her office today.
