As people age, the muscles around your eyelids become weaker, and you may notice the skin around this area begin to stretch. The result is the appearance of droopy eyes. Blepharoplasty is a surgery performed on your eyelids that can help repair them. It may require the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat.
If you have a blepharoplasty operation, then there are strategies that you need to implement to maximize the speed of the recovery from this surgery so you can reap the benefits that this procedure offers.
Stop Smoking
Smoking, even occasionally, can slow down your recovery time. This will also increase the risk of obtaining an infection. You should stop smoking at least six week before your scheduled surgery. If you’re considering the procedure, but haven’t had it scheduled yet, it would be wise to stop immediately.
Prepare for Your Recovery Time Ahead
The average recovery time from blepharoplasty is 10-14 days. In the days leading up to the surgery, you should take care of all responsibilities, commitments, and plan ahead so you can focus on recovering properly once you go home. Run your errands, take care of your bills, and do your grocery shopping as if you won’t leave your home for two weeks.
Think Long Term While Recovering
The goal of blepharoplasty is to improve how you look once you have recovered. While that is happening, you will notice swelling, a puffy look around your eyes, irritation, and a red appearance around the incisions. This combined with potential bruising may look like you have black eyes. You may feel anxious during this time because you want to see the final results. Your patience to allow the recovery process to take place will be well-rewarded once you’re healed.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Dr. Yielding will offer extra instructions for you to follow in the days following the operation. Follow them exactly as they are given. This offers you to best return on that investment of time it takes to recover.
Don’t Place Extra Stress on Your Eyes
Your eyes need to be as relaxed as possible for as long as possible. So don’t worry about reading emails or books, and avoid watching TV. These activities could lead to dry eyes which will have adverse effects on your recovery.
Protect Yourself from Excess Sun Exposure
Natural elements such as sunlight and excess winds must also be avoided once you start recovering. This is why you should stay inside as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear sunglasses that cover the sides of your eyes, and make sure you wear a hat.
Avoid Unnecessary Stress
The first two weeks are the most important in your recovery, but strenuous activities like sports and exercise should be avoided for around four weeks. The increase of blood flow to the eyelids may affect your appearance and recovery.
Rest, Rest, Rest
The common denominator of all these strategies is one underlying principle. Rest is crucial. This includes getting your sleep. Sleeping well every night is absolutely paramount, and occasional naps are a good idea as well.
Are you interested in learning more about blepharoplasty? Is this something you’re considering for yourself? If so, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and to set up an appointment. You can reach YMD by calling 407-753-4101 or going to www.yieldingmd.com .
