Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty as it’s known in the medical community, is a type of surgery that’s directed towards changing the appearance of the eyes for either aesthetic or medical reasons. Like most types of major surgeries, a blepharoplasty carries with it a mild recovery period. This is just part and parcel of the surgical process.
How To Speed Up Eyelid Surgery Recovery
If you have an eyelid surgery schedule and are worried about the recovery period, then here’s a quick guide to helping you minimize the amount of time that this takes up in your life.
Eyelid Surgery Basics
There are several different types of eyelid surgery, with many different types aimed at addressing issues in different areas of the eye.
Upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery target the nominal sections of the eyes, while a quadruple blepharoplasty is a surgery that performs work on all four eyelids.
You’ll be able to discuss which type of eyelid surgery is right for you with your physician prior to receiving treatment.
1. Plan Your Recovery Period
Planning your recovery period out, along with the type of activities that you’re going to have to engage in, can help you expedite the process by optimizing your time.
In most cases, people will have to set aside at least 10-14 days after their initial procedure to fully heal. Reserving this amount of time to recuperate from work and life’s responsibilities will likely behoove you in the end.
2. Follow Your Physician’s Instructions
You will likely leave the hospital with a set of instructions from your physician on what to do in order to maximize your surgery results.
There are quite a few different things that this might include. One very common recommendation is to apply cold compresses to your eyes or utilize eye drops to reduce inflammation.
Sterile gauze is also a useful tool, as regular application can help to minimize the risk of infection.
3. Protect Yourself From The Sun
Excessive sun exposure has the potential to harm your eyes, as in their post-surgical state, they’ll likely be especially sensitive to harmful UV radiation.
Your physician will likely recommend that you use sun-protection tools such as hats, sunscreen and sunglasses in order to help to minimize the potential damage you’ll receive from the sun.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Rest is one of the body’s best tools for giving it the strength it will need to recuperate from stressful things like surgery.
Getting plenty of rest is of the first order when it comes to getting your eyes into a normal sense of shape after your surgical period. You’ll actually likely feel more tired than usual, as the experience of surgery can be exhausting.
5. Don’t Stress Your Eyes
You’ll also want to take a break from activities that are strenuous towards the eyes, such as watching television with the screen up close to your face.
Even activities such as reading or looking at your phone too much have the potential to interfere with your recuperation process. It’s likely that you’ll be advised to avoid engaging in these activities too much.
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking is hazardous for your health in a number of ways. Your physician will likely recommend that you quit smoking for at least several weeks prior to your own procedure.
Avoiding tobacco intake after your procedure is equally as important, as the toxic compounds in tobacco smoke have the potential to interfere heavily in your recovery process.
7. Avoid Overly Strenuous Activities
It also includes many types of exercise that might increase blood flow to your face. This includes activities such as jogging, aerobics, sports, and intense physical activity.
Certain day-to-day activities can give your eyes undue strain as well. This includes things like bending, jumping, and similar activities.
Your Pre-Surgical Consultation
Prior to your operation, you’ll be able to undergo a pre-surgical consultation where you’ll discuss all the ins and outs of your procedure.
This is the best time for you to ask any clarifying questions to your physician, as well as discuss any possible complications you might have with your upcoming treatment.
This is also the best time for you to make a concerted effort towards maximizing your recovery period.
The Eye Surgery Expert of Southern California
In Focus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery is one of Southern California’s top locations for eyelid surgery. If you’re interested in receiving this type of treatment and would like to schedule a consultation, then contact In Focus today in order to discuss what options might be best for you.