Swelling & bruising
Peaks at 48–72 hours, then gradually settles. One side can look different to the other.
- Cold compresses 10–15 minutes hourly for 48 hours (awake time)
- Head elevation for 5–7 nights
- Limit salt, alcohol and smoking
Blepharoplasty aftercare made clear
Eyelid Surgery Recovery: downtime, healing stages and what to expect
This step‑by‑step Australian guide explains typical blepharoplasty recovery milestones, time off work, swelling and bruising patterns, suture removal, activity limits, scar care and red flags. Use it to plan with confidence and know when to get help.
7–10 days
Typical social downtime after upper eyelid surgery
Day 5–7
Common timing for suture removal (upper lids)
3–4 weeks
Typical return to higher intensity exercise with clearance
At‑a‑glance
Bruising peaks at 48–72 hours, sutures out ~day 5–7, make‑up often from day 7, gym from week 3–4.
Care essentials
Cold compresses, head elevation, lubricating drops and prescribed ointment.
Time off work
Desk duties 3–7 days; public‑facing 7–14 days depending on bruising.
Eyelid surgery aftercare essentials
Follow your surgeon’s instructions first. The guidance below reflects common Australian protocols for uncomplicated upper or lower blepharoplasty.
Incision care
Upper incisions sit in the natural crease; lower in the lash line or inside the lid.
- Antibiotic ointment as directed (often 3–5 days)
- Lubricating drops for dryness/tearing
- Keep wounds dry for the first 24–48 hours unless advised otherwise
Vision & screens
Mild blurring, light sensitivity and dryness are common early on.
- Limit screens 24–48 hours to reduce eye strain
- No driving for 24 hours after sedation or until vision is comfortable
- Use sunglasses outdoors
Make‑up & lenses
Resume when incisions are sealed and comfort allows.
- Eye make‑up usually after day 7 (confirm at review)
- Contact lenses after 1–2 weeks when comfortable
- Avoid rubbing or tugging the eyelids
Recovery at a glance
Timings vary with procedure type (upper vs lower lids), your anatomy and whether any additional procedures (e.g., brow lift, ptosis repair) were performed. Your surgeon’s protocol takes priority.
Days
How you may feel
Care focus
Milestones
0–2
Tightness, swelling and bruising begin; tearing or dryness common
Cold compresses, head elevation, ointment and lubricating drops; short walks
Peak swelling ~48–72 hours
3–7
Bruising fades; eyes feel less puffy; light activities easier
Continue drops/ointment; gentle hygiene; avoid heavy lifting and bending
Sutures out ~day 5–7 (upper lids)
8–14
Residual yellow/green bruising; mild tightness or itch
Make‑up often ok after review; light cardio from week 3 if cleared
Back to most desk duties and non‑strenuous tasks
3–6 weeks
Incisions soften; swelling continues to refine
Scar care (often silicone gel/tape after wounds closed); sunscreen
Strenuous exercise often ok from week 4 with clearance
3–6 months
Fine residual swelling and redness fade
Ongoing sun protection; review as scheduled
Result continues to mature
Step‑by‑step recovery timeline
These stages outline a typical blepharoplasty recovery. Always follow your surgeon’s individual plan.
1
Surgery day (Day 0)
Short walks, keep head elevated, begin cold compresses and prescribed drops/ointment. Arrange support at home. No driving for 24 hours after sedation or general anaesthesia.
2
Early days (Days 1–3)
Swelling/bruising peak around 48–72 hours. Continue compresses, rest with head elevated, limit screens, avoid bending/straining and keep incisions clean and protected.
3
Week 1
Discomfort generally mild and controlled with paracetamol unless directed otherwise. Many return to light desk tasks. Typical review and suture removal around day 5–7 for upper lids.
4
Weeks 2–6
Make‑up to conceal bruising often ok after day 7 (confirm at review). Light cardio can resume from week 3 and more intense exercise after week 4 if cleared. Ongoing scar care and sun protection.
Medication, activity and scar care
Your surgeon will tailor these instructions to your case. If in doubt, ask before resuming activities.
Pain relief
Often paracetamol. Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen unless advised, as they can increase bleeding risk.
Activity
Short walks from Day 1–2. No heavy lifting, straining or inverted poses for ~2 weeks.
Screen use
Limit in first 48 hours to reduce eye strain and dryness; use lubricating drops as directed.
Scar care
Once closed and cleared by your surgeon, consider silicone gel/tape and gentle massage. Daily SPF.
Time off work and daily activities
Work from home or light desk duties
Many return 3–5 days after upper blepharoplasty and 5–7 days after lower. Client‑facing roles may prefer 7–14 days to allow bruising to fade.
Planning
Driving and school runs
No driving for 24 hours after sedation/anaesthesia and only when vision is comfortable and you can perform an emergency stop safely.
Safety
Exercise and lifting
Light walks from Day 2. Moderate exercise from week 3. Heavy lifting and strenuous workouts from week 4 with clearance.
Activity
Make‑up and contact lenses
Eye make‑up typically after day 7; contact lenses often 1–2 weeks post‑op when comfortable. Confirm timing at review.
Comfort
Helpful resources
Time off work guide ·
General recovery timeline ·
Recovery & aftercare hub
Support
Self‑care checklist
Simple habits that support healing and reduce swelling after eyelid surgery.
Home setup
Prepare ahead so you can rest comfortably.
- Extra pillows or a wedge for head elevation
- Cold compresses ready in the freezer
- Prescribed medications picked up
Daily care
Follow your surgeon’s regimen closely.
- Cold compresses first 48 hours (awake time)
- Lubricating drops and ointment as directed
- Short walks; avoid straining and heavy lifting
Lifestyle choices
Small adjustments can speed up recovery.
- Avoid smoking/vaping and alcohol in early recovery
- Limit salty foods to reduce swelling
- Protect incisions from sun with hat and SPF
When to seek urgent help
Complications after blepharoplasty are uncommon, but knowing red flags matters. Call your surgeon’s rooms or seek urgent care if you notice:
Vision changes or severe eye pain
Sudden loss or double vision, severe one‑sided pain/pressure, or rapidly increasing swelling can signal an orbital bleed. This requires immediate emergency assessment.
Heavy bleeding or signs of infection
Persistent bleeding, spreading redness, worsening pain, fever or pus should be reviewed promptly.
Worsening eyelid position
Significant lower lid droop/eversion (ectropion), inability to close the eye, or pronounced asymmetry should be assessed.
Persistent severe dryness
Unrelieved dryness, scratchiness or a sensation of something in the eye can indicate corneal irritation and should be checked.
Eyelid surgery recovery FAQ
Clear answers to common Australian recovery questions. For individual advice, book a consultation.
How uncomfortable is recovery?
Most describe tightness and puffiness more than pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with paracetamol and cold compresses. Always follow your surgeon’s medication advice.
Upper vs lower eyelid recovery — what’s different?
Upper lids often have quicker recovery and suture removal at day 5–7. Lower lids can swell more, sometimes use dissolvable sutures and may take closer to 2 weeks for social downtime.
Will I have visible scars?
Upper incisions sit in the natural eyelid crease and typically fade very well. Lower incisions are placed just under the lash line or inside the eyelid. Good scar care and sun protection help optimise fading.
What reviews should I expect?
Common checkpoints include a phone or early nurse review in the first few days, suture removal at day 5–7 (for upper lids), and further reviews at ~2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. Schedules vary.
What if I’m unhappy with the result?
Some swelling and asymmetry are normal early on. Results settle over weeks to months. If concerns persist, discuss them at review. Independent second opinions and revision surgery pathways are available when appropriate.
What should I sort out before surgery?
Across Australia you’ll need a GP referral for cosmetic surgery consultation, plus two consults and a cooling‑off period before booking. Read consultations & safety, informed consent and risks & complications.
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