Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery

Make sure to take antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed.  For severe pain or allergy, contact your plastic surgeon immediately.

Avoid washing the eyes for the first 24 hours after surgery. During this time, apply the prescribed eye ointment at least three times daily. For transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty, apply eye drops 3x a day.  After 24 hours, you may gently wash your face with mild soap and water, then reapply the eye ointment as directed.

Apply cold compresses for 10–15 minutes every hour while awake for a week to reduce swelling and bruising.  

Keep head at neutral and elevated while sleeping, using 1-2 pillows for the first week. Do not sleep on your side for 3-6 months to avoid the scars from widening.

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending over, and activities that increase blood pressure for at least 3 weeks or as advised.

Avoid smoking, vaping, and alcohol during the early healing period, as they can delay recovery.

For ordinary lower blepharoplasty, sutures should be removed after 6-7 days to avoid scars.  For transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty, there are no sutures to be removed.

Swelling and bruising are usually most noticeable during the first few days after surgery. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Mild tearing, dryness, or sensitivity around the eyes may also occur during the early healing period.

For subciliary lower blepharoplasty, sutures are typically removed around 6–7 days, depending on healing. Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty generally does not require external sutures. Many patients can return to work and routine activities when they feel comfortable, although some swelling or bruising may remain.

Most of the visible swelling and bruising has significantly improved. The lower eyelids may still appear slightly swollen or uneven as the tissues continue to settle.

The lower eyelid contour continues to refine as swelling resolves and the tissues heal. Subciliary scars may still be visible but gradually become less noticeable as they mature.

Residual swelling and firmness continue to improve. The transition between the lower eyelid and cheek gradually becomes more defined as the tissues settle.

The lower eyelid tissues and scars continue to mature, and the final contour becomes increasingly settled. Final results are assessed after adequate healing and tissue maturation.

Bruising and minor bleeding are common after surgery. Rarely, a significant collection of blood can develop around the eye and requires urgent assessment because severe orbital bleeding can threaten vision. Sudden severe swelling, pain, or changes in vision require immediate medical attention.

Infection is uncommon but can occur. Patients should follow postoperative wound-care instructions and report increasing redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or worsening pain.

Temporary dryness, irritation, tearing, or sensitivity may occur during healing. These symptoms usually improve as the eyelids and ocular surface recover.

The lower eyelid may temporarily or, rarely, persistently sit lower than normal or turn outward. This can cause increased exposure of the eye, dryness, or a change in eye shape. Careful assessment of eyelid support and conservative skin removal help reduce this risk.

Temporary differences in swelling between the two eyes are common. Persistent asymmetry, residual fat, or contour irregularities may occasionally require further treatment.

Temporary difficulty fully closing the eyes can occur because of swelling or tissue tightness. Rarely, persistent lagophthalmos may develop and require treatment.

Temporary blurred vision or, rarely, double vision can occur. Serious vision loss is extremely rare but may occur with significant orbital bleeding and requires emergency treatment.

Subciliary lower blepharoplasty leaves a scar along the lower lash line. It may initially appear more visible but generally becomes less noticeable as it matures.