Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Suppose you are a candidate for upper eyelid surgery in Newport Beach. Whether or not this is your first experience with this kind of procedure, you likely have a lot of questions. How long does upper eyelid surgery take? Is anesthesia required? Is upper eyelid surgery painful during recovery? How long will the results last?

Is Upper Eyelid Surgery Painful?

You have come to the right place if you are seeking answers to any of those questions. In the below article, Dr. Jeffrey Joseph and his team of experts will go through the upper eyelid surgery process from start to finish. Hopefully, this will give you a better idea of what to expect long before the date of your appointment.

How Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Work?

If you have ever looked in the mirror and lamented over your droopy, wrinkly, or saggy eyelids, then you might want to know more about this procedure. As a cosmetic operation, upper eyelid surgery works to reduce wrinkles and sags by getting rid of extra skin. Upper eyelid surgery also works to tighten the muscles underneath your skin so they can be more easily supported. That way, they will stop drooping and warping your appearance.

During the procedure itself, you will be under anesthesia, so you will not feel a thing. The surgeon uses meticulous and careful techniques to reduce eyelid sagging and give you a more refreshed appearance.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to go home on the same day as your surgery. You will likely feel a little bit of bruising and pain. While upper eyelid surgery can be painful, there are ways to manage your pain using prescribed medications. Your doctor might also recommend an over-the-counter solution for a short amount of time, such as Advil or Tylenol.

Following Your Recovery Instructions

The best way to make sure that you have a smooth and pain-free recovery is to follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon. Make sure you are surrounded by family or friends who can take care of you while you take it as easy as possible. You will likely need to take one or two weeks off from work so you can recover properly.

But in order to properly rest your eyes, you need to avoid overusing them. Try listening to music instead of watching TV and writing in a notebook instead of using the computer. The less your eyes have to look at, the more quickly they can heal. If you are still experiencing symptoms of discomfort after several days, make sure to bring up your concerns with the surgeon during your follow-up appointment.

When Will the Results Appear?

Each blepharoplasty procedure is completely unique, so it can take some time to fully heal. Depending on whether you are treating one or both eyelids, you can expect to wait a few months. However, your visual appearance will already start to improve within the first few weeks of the recovery process.

How to Maintain Upper Eyelid Surgery Results

A lot of the symptoms that upper eyelid surgery aims to fix can last for a very long time. Some patients even enjoy certain results for life. However, it can certainly add a rejuvenating effect to your eyes that will boost your health both inside and out.

If you want to prolong the beautiful results of your surgery even further, here are a few things you can do with the approval of your doctor:

  • Use a cold compress to gently soothe the area around your eyelids. This is especially helpful if you are still bruised or swollen.
  • Use medicated eye drops to keep your eyes moist and to prevent dehydration.
  • Get lots of rest, and set some time aside each day to rest your eyes in particular.
  • Avoid sunlight and use plenty of protection from harmful UV rays whenever you spend time outside.
  • Always attend and schedule follow-up appointments with your surgeon and trusted medical team so you can address any concerns that may arise later.

Upper eyelid surgery offers transformative results that can give you and your skin a chance to feel young again. Contact our friendly team today if this sounds like something that would be helpful for you.

Schedule Your First Consultation Today!

We encourage you to come and visit your local eyelid surgeon in Newport Beach to learn more about all the benefits that upper eyelid surgery offers. Whether you need to realign your asymmetrical eyelids or prevent severe wrinkles as you age, you might find exactly what you need when you sign up for a consultation.