Blepharoplasty Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

For most eyelid surgery patients, sutures are removed between five and seven days after the procedure. The removal appointment is brief and generally well-tolerated, with most patients describing only a mild tugging sensation. In some cases, our oculoplastic surgeon uses dissolvable sutures, particularly for internal incisions during lower blepharoplasty, which do not require a separate removal visit.

Once the sutures come out, you will see thin pink or red lines along the incision sites. These lines gradually fade over the following weeks and months, eventually blending into the natural crease of your eyelid. Upper blepharoplasty incisions are strategically placed within the eyelid fold so they become virtually invisible once fully healed. Lower eyelid incisions made just beneath the lash line or inside the eyelid using a transconjunctival approach also heal with minimal visible scarring.

After stitch removal, you should continue to keep the incision area clean and apply any prescribed ointments as directed. Avoid rubbing or pulling on your eyelids, and wear sunglasses whenever you go outside to protect the healing skin from UV exposure. Sun protection is especially important during the first several months, as UV light can cause incision scars to darken permanently.

During the first two weeks, you should avoid heavy lifting of anything over ten pounds, vigorous exercise, swimming, and activities that involve bending at the waist. You should also refrain from wearing contact lenses for at least one to two weeks, depending on our surgeon's recommendation. Light walking is encouraged starting the day after surgery, as gentle movement promotes healthy circulation without placing strain on the surgical area.

Most patients can begin wearing makeup on the areas away from the incision sites about seven to ten days after surgery. Makeup directly on or near the incision lines should generally be avoided for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of irritation or infection. When you do resume eye makeup, choose products that are fresh and free of potential irritants, and remove them gently each evening.

While complications from blepharoplasty are uncommon, you should be aware of signs that require prompt attention. These include a sudden increase in pain or swelling on one side, vision changes, persistent bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or discharge around the incisions. Contact our office if you experience any of these symptoms so we can evaluate you in a timely manner.

Keep the incision area clean by gently wiping with a damp cotton pad or gauze as instructed by our team. Apply any prescribed antibiotic ointment to the incision lines to keep them moist and protected. Avoid touching or scratching the healing skin, and do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based cleansers near the surgical site. You can review our page on eyelid surgery recovery for more detailed aftercare guidance.

Light walking can begin as early as one to two days after surgery, and most patients can return to moderate exercise such as brisk walking or light cycling within two to three weeks. High-impact activities, heavy weightlifting, hot yoga, and contact sports should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Returning to exercise too early can increase blood flow to the face, prolong swelling, and in rare cases contribute to bleeding at the surgical site.

Upper and lower blepharoplasty follow similar recovery timelines, but there are some differences worth noting. Lower eyelid surgery may involve more swelling in the under-eye area, and patients are often advised to be especially careful about bending forward or sleeping flat. Upper eyelid patients may notice improvements in their field of vision sooner as swelling subsides. If both procedures are performed together, overall recovery time is generally comparable to having one area treated.