Bruising after Eyelid Surgery
As the body ages, it changes in many ways. The most visible of these changes often develop on the face, particularly around the eyes. Aging can lead to thinning skin, a loss of skin elasticity, and an increase in fat deposits around the eyes. All of these combine to contribute to an aging appearance. Eyelid surgery addresses the most common signs of aging to restore smoother, firmer skin around the upper or lower eyelids.
Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure with a proven record of safety and success. While the final results of surgery will be overwhelmingly positive, patients should be prepared for the recovery period that follows treatment. One of the most common side effects of eyelid surgery is bruising. Dr. Gregory T. Mesna is happy to discuss eyelid surgery and bruising with our Minneapolis, MN patients, and offer some post-surgical care tips that will ensure a smooth, fast recovery.
Eyelid Surgery Side Effects
Eyelid surgery requires a fairly short recovery period. In fact, patients typically heal from eyelid surgery faster than they do any other plastic surgery procedure. Most patients are able to return to work and other regular activities (aside from strenuous exercise) within ten days after blepharoplasty. Although recovery is short, patients should still expect to experience some side effects. The two most common side effects of eyelid surgery are swelling and bruising. Swelling can make the skin around the eyes appear puffy and can even make it difficult to open or close the eyes all the way. Bruising can cause the skin around the eyes to feel tender, and will result in purple or green coloring on the skin.
How Long Will Bruising Last?
Fortunately, bruising is a short-lived side effect of eyelid surgery. While bruising may persist for three to four weeks in some cases, it is far more common for bruising to be completely gone within two weeks after surgery. The heaviest bruising will likely develop within 48 to 76 hours after surgery. At this time, bruises are likely to appear dark purple in color. However, the bruises will begin to fade fairly quickly. The deep purple color will gradually fade to green and then yellow. In most cases, bruising significantly diminishes within a week after surgery. By the time patients are ready to return to work, bruising should be minimal. Any bruising that does remain can be concealed with make-up.
Ensuring a Speedy Recovery
As long as eyelid surgery recovery is progressing, patients will find that their bruises fade in the expected time frame. To ensure a safe and speedy recovery, it is important for patients to follow all post-surgical care instructions. Below are some useful tips for a smooth eyelid surgery recovery:
- Give the eyes plenty of rest, especially in the first few days after surgery
- For the first week of recovery patients should limit activities that will put strain on the eyes, such as reading, working on a computer, or watching TV
- Patients should wear dark sunglasses when in the sun
- Keep the eyes lubricated with artificial eye drops
- Keep the head slightly elevated when resting to minimize bruising and swelling
Contact Us
Eyelid surgery addresses the common signs of aging and restores a more youthful appearance to the skin around the upper and lower eyelids. If you are concerned with the signs of aging around the eyes and would like to know if eyelid surgery is right for you, we invite you to contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Gregory T. Mesna can answer any questions you may have regarding blepharoplasty or any of our other plastic surgery procedures.