Bruising and Swelling after Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures performed today. According to statistical data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), eyelid surgery was the third most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2013. Surgeons performed 215,641 eyelid surgery procedures that year, which represented a 6 percent increase from 2012 (204,015 procedures).

Given the popularity of eyelid lift surgical procedures, and that they are elective, it can be easy to forget that, just as with any other surgical procedure, the body needs time to heal. Drs. Crawford and McKnight-Baron believe it is important for patients to understand the various stages of the healing process following eyelid surgery before making the final decision to undergo the procedure. This is why a thorough consultation with the patient to discuss goals, outcomes, risks, and potential side effects is so crucial.

Which Conditions Can Eyelid Surgery Treat?

Eyelid surgery will make the eyes look more refreshed and alert, giving a more youthful appearance to the face. The procedure can be done to either the upper or lower eyelids, and can sometimes be done in conjunction with other procedures such as a forehead lift to remove lines and wrinkles of the forehead and between the eyebrows.

Upper eyelid surgery can correct for droopy eyelids, which can make the face look tired, worn, and aged. Lower eyelid surgery can remove bags, wrinkles, and circles under the eyes. In other cases, the eyelids may droop, obscuring patients’ vision; this can be caused by hereditary conditions and aging. In such cases, eyelid surgery is considered a medical necessity and will usually be covered by health insurance. There is also a specialized eyelid surgery that gives Asian eyes a more rounded, Western appearance.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure

In an upper eyelid procedure, a series of small incisions are made in the natural crease of the eyelid. The skin is then gently lifted away, smoothed out, and then sutured back into place. For a lower eyelid procedure, the incisions are made just at the lower eyelash line. Similar to an upper eyelid procedure, the skin is then pulled tight and sutured back into place.

Side Effects after Eyelid Surgery

Bruising and swelling around the eyes are the two most common side effects following eyelid surgery. This is a normal part of the healing process. Bruising and swelling may take anywhere from two to three weeks to a month to fade, depending upon skin coloration, thickness, and amount of work done around the eyes.

Drs. Crawford and McKnight-Baron recommend that patients use cold compresses or blue gel packs over the eyes once the incisions have healed over, as well as take the herb Arnica montana starting one week prior to surgery. These will all help reduce the amount and duration of bruising and swelling. Keeping the head elevated as much as possible will also drain fluids around the eyes.

Patients who choose to undergo eyelid surgery can achieve a younger and more refreshed appearance. Contact our practice to schedule your consultation.