What is the recovery timeline after eyelid surgery?

Day by day and week by week

Why upper and lower lids recover differently

Upper lid surgery generally produces less bruising and settles faster because the dissection is superficial and the incision sits in a natural crease. Many people find the upper lid presentable at around ten to fourteen days.

Lower lid surgery, particularly when fat is repositioned over the orbital rim or a subciliary incision is used, produces more bruising and more prolonged swelling. Discoloration can track down onto the cheek and takes two to three weeks to clear.

Eye comfort during healing

• Dryness, grittiness, and intermittent watering are common in the early weeks because blinking is temporarily altered.
• Preservative-free lubricating drops during the day and ointment at night are usual, as directed.
• Blurred vision from ointment is expected and resolves as it clears; blurred vision without ointment should be reported.
• Contact lenses are usually deferred until the surgeon confirms the surface and lids are settled.
• Sunglasses protect against light sensitivity and against ultraviolet exposure to maturing scars.

Activity guidance

Head elevation, including while sleeping, reduces periorbital swelling in the first week. Bending, straining, and heavy lifting are avoided early because raised venous pressure increases both swelling and bleeding risk.

Light walking is encouraged from the outset. Strenuous exercise, swimming, and activities that risk contact with the eyes are generally resumed at three to six weeks with surgical clearance.

When to contact the surgical team

• Severe or increasing pain, particularly with rapidly increasing swelling, which can indicate bleeding behind the eye and requires immediate assessment
• Any loss or reduction of vision
• Fever, spreading redness, or purulent discharge
• An eye that will not close fully, or a lower lid that is pulling away from the eye
• Persistent double vision

Frequently asked questions

When can I wear makeup after eyelid surgery?

Makeup is generally permitted once incisions are fully closed and sutures are out, commonly at around ten to fourteen days, and only on the surgeon's confirmation.

How long does bruising last after blepharoplasty?

Bruising peaks at two to three days and usually resolves within two to three weeks. Lower lid surgery tends toward the longer end, with discoloration sometimes tracking onto the cheek.

When can I use screens or read?

Most people are comfortable reading and using screens within the first week. Frequent breaks and lubricating drops help, since blinking is reduced during concentrated visual tasks.

How long before I can exercise?

Light walking is encouraged immediately. Strenuous exercise is generally resumed at three to six weeks once cleared by the surgeon.

Mansher Singh, MD, FACS: reviews and trust checks

642 verbatim patient reviews from the practice Google Business Profile, plus credentials you can confirm at the issuing source.