Eyelid surgery is a highly popular cosmetic procedure. It refreshes the eyes and can improve your overall facial aesthetic. Natural aging and poor lifestyle habits can impact the look of your eyes. This includes fine lines, wrinkles, skin sagging, hollowness, eye bags, and dark circles. These issues can impact your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Both upper and lower eyelid surgery offer effective results. Many patients ask about the recovery process. Below you will find helpful information on sleeping after eyelid surgery.
Sleeping After Eyelid Surgery: What You Need to Know
The recovery process is extremely important for your final results. It is essential to take the time to educate yourself and prepare for recovery. Your oculoplastic surgeon will provide you with information on recovery. It is essential to follow their instructions exactly. Resting and how you sleep after eyelid surgery directly impact your results.
Maintain Your Sleep Position
Side and stomach sleepers must change their sleep position after surgery. You need to sleep on your back right after surgery and well after. Sleeping on your side or stomach puts direct pressure on the face. This can worsen swelling and bruising during your initial recovery period. However, it can have a long-term impact on your results. Most people tend to sleep on one side. This results in asymmetry that cannot be reversed without surgical intervention.
To avoid these issues, focus on sleeping on your back. If you struggle with this, use body pillows to keep yourself on your back. There are also special pillows that keep your neck in place as you sleep on your back. You can also use two to three pillows, as you need to keep your head elevated. This can also help keep you on your back if you tend to move throughout the night.
Stay Elevated at All Times
Swelling is common after eyelid surgery. This can make your upper face feel tight and also lead to mild discomfort. Staying elevated is an effective way to reduce swelling after surgery. There are additional measures to take as you heal. However, you should keep your head elevated at all times for at least two weeks after surgery.
The best way to stay elevated when you sleep is to use extra pillows. Put two to three firm pillows under yourself at night. It is best to keep your head above your heart. When you are awake, this is much easier. However, many people forget to keep their head elevated and bend over. It is also advisable to avoid bending over for the first couple of weeks after surgery. It reduces the pressure on your incisions.
Prioritize Rest and Recovery
One of the best ways to heal is to focus on rest and recovery. This is especially true right after surgery. Most patients need close to their normal amount. This is roughly seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Adequate rest supports optimal healing and reduces inflammation. Avoid cutting your sleep time short, especially during the first few weeks. If you find that you need more sleep, take naps throughout the day. Fatigue can worsen swelling and slow down your recovery timeline.
Getting good sleep after eyelid surgery is key. However, the process varies from patient to patient. Some people find it very easy to sleep after surgery. These are usually people who sleep slightly elevated and on their backs regularly. However, those who like to sleep flat, on their back, or on their side may find the process challenging. Some patients find that sleeping in a recliner for the first week or two makes the process much easier.
Eyelid Surgery Consultation Process and Procedural Details
The first step in moving forward with eyelid surgery is scheduling a consultation. An oculoplastic surgeon will evaluate your skin quality and eye anatomy. They will review your medical history and assess your current health. From there, they will determine if you are a good candidate. Candidates for eyelid surgery should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the surgery. Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate, you can move forward with scheduling your procedure. You will be provided with pre-op instructions. Review them right away and follow them exactly.
Eyelid surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. This means you can go home the same day. The procedure is performed using local anesthesia with sedation. In some cases, general anesthesia is used. This will be discussed at your consultation, so you are prepared on the day of your surgery. The surgical process takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. It may take longer if you decide to combine procedures. Many patients get both upper and lower eyelid surgery to optimize their results.
Right after surgery, you will be taken into an observation area. From there, you can head home. You will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you home. It is helpful to have someone stay with you the first few days after surgery. They can help administer your medication and prepare meals.
What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
The recovery process can take roughly two weeks. Right away, you will notice swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort. This is normal, and the symptoms should gradually subside as you recover. They can be effectively managed with rest, taking your prescribed medication, and using a cold compress. It is important to attend all of your follow-up appointments. The surgeon can assess your recovery and make any necessary modifications. Most people are back to their routine within two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least one month, or until your surgeon clears you.
Leading Oculoplastic Surgeon
Eyelid surgery is a great way to refresh your aesthetic. If you notice the signs of aging around your eyes, contact the team at Taban MD Oculoplastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!