Eyelid surgery is a great option to treat droopy eyelids and address excess skin on your eyelids. Natural aging can cause fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, puffy eyelids, and tired-looking eyes, which can all be addressed with eyelid surgery. While the procedure has several great benefits, one of the side effects is bruising. Below you will find information on how to deal with bruising after eyelid surgery.
Bruising and Eyelid Surgery
When working on a fragile area such as the eye bruising can be a side effect. This is because the incisions and repair can cause what the body experiences as trauma. While the procedure is safe and effective, the bruising is a reaction to the procedure itself. It is entirely normal and should not cause any concern.
How Long Does the Bruising Last?
You will notice your bruising continuously changes, throughout your recovery. Your initial bruising will appear red immediately after surgery. Within a few days, you should see the bruises turn purple and then blue. After one to two weeks, the bruising should begin to heal fully and turn green and then yellow. By the third or fourth week, your bruising should be fully healed without any discoloration. While each person is different, your bruising should last no more than four weeks. If you still have bruising or your bruising fails to transition in color and size by the first week, contact your surgeon.
Steps to Reduce Bruising
There are steps you can take to deal with your eyelid bruising after surgery. This can help speed up the process and help reduce your other symptoms like swelling and related pain. You should take the first week off and focus on healing. Rest is one of the most important factors in healing after your procedure. Below are some tips to reduce your swelling as you are resting and in the first few weeks after surgery. Be sure to consult with the surgeon on any steps that they have specifically for you.
-Use ice packs to help with the swelling.
-Use all prescribed medication and ointments to promote healing.
-Avoid heavy lifting and swimming for at least one week.
-Avoid smoking.
-Do not rub your eyes (or around them).
-Do not use contact lenses for at least two weeks.
-Stay out of the sun and use SPF if you have to go out.
-Keep your head elevated at all times, even when sleeping.
-Avoid strenuous activities or exercise.
-Follow the surgeon’s recommendations for recovery.
How to Cover Eyelid Bruising
For the first week, you should stay inside and away from the sun, wind, and elements. If you are unable to avoid the outdoors, it’s important to wear large sunglasses that protect you from the sun. Glasses with SPF protection are preferable, so you don’t have to apply SPF around your eyes. However, after one to two weeks, you should be able to wear concealer and other makeup to cover any remaining bruising. Before wearing any makeup, you should wait for your surgeon’s approval.
Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara
If you are interested in eyelid surgery and want to schedule a consultation, contact Taban MD,. Dr. Mehryar Taban is a well-known and successful board-certified surgeon in southern California. He is one of the most trusted surgeons in the area, as he is highly educated and active in the medical community. He is also widely respected as a professor at one of the nation’s top universities, UCLA. Dr. Taban is a trusted surgeon who takes great pride in providing his patients with the highest quality care.