The general pattern

Most patients experience swelling and bruising in the first days after upper blepharoplasty, with visible improvement over the first one to two weeks and continued settling over several weeks. The eyelid crease and contour refine for a few months as the tissues soften. Individual healing varies, and your surgeon's instructions always take precedence over any general timeline.

Preparing before surgery

A little preparation makes the first days easier:

  • arrange for someone to drive you home and, ideally, stay with you the first night;
  • prepare cold compresses, such as small gel packs or bags of frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth;
  • set up extra pillows so you can rest with your head raised;
  • review your medications and supplements with your surgeon, since some increase bleeding; and
  • plan time away from work and screen-heavy tasks for the first several days.

The first 48 hours

  • Cold compresses, applied gently for short periods while awake, reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Head elevation, including sleeping on extra pillows or in a recliner, helps fluid drain.
  • Lubricating drops or ointment keep the eye comfortable, since the eyelids may not close fully at first and vision can be a little blurry from ointment.
  • Rest, avoiding bending, lifting and straining.

Some tightness or mild soreness is normal and usually managed with simple pain relief as advised by your surgeon. Significant pain is not typical and should be reported.

Days three to fourteen

Swelling and bruising begin to fade, sometimes changing colour as they settle. Stitches are usually removed about five to seven days after surgery, or dissolve on their own depending on the type used. The incision line may look pink and slightly raised at first.

Many people return to desk-based work in about a week to ten days. Eye make-up and contact lenses are usually avoided until your surgeon confirms the incisions have healed, typically around two weeks.

Weeks two to six and beyond

Most visible bruising has gone by two weeks, though subtle swelling, especially in the morning, can persist for several weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are generally resumed gradually after about two weeks, following your surgeon's advice. The scar continues to soften and fade over three to six months, and protecting it from the sun helps it settle.

What influences your recovery

Healing is affected by age, skin quality, medical conditions, medications, smoking and the extent of surgery. Blood thinners and some supplements can increase bruising; never stop prescribed medication without guidance from the doctor who prescribed it. Combined procedures, such as combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, involve more swelling at once.

Warning signs that need urgent attention

Contact your surgeon immediately, or seek emergency care, if you notice:

  • severe or increasing pain;
  • rapidly increasing swelling, especially on one side, or the eye bulging forward;
  • any reduction or change in vision; or
  • fever, spreading redness or discharge that suggests infection.

These are uncommon, but bleeding behind the eye in particular needs urgent treatment.

Caring for your result

Avoid rubbing the eyes while they heal, keep the incision clean as instructed, and use sun protection on the scar for several months. Follow-up appointments check healing, eyelid closure and the eye surface. More about the procedure is on our upper blepharoplasty page.

Questions to ask at your consultation

  • Which symptoms are expected, and which should prompt a call?
  • When can I return to work, driving, exercise and contact lens wear?
  • Should I stop or adjust any medications or supplements before surgery?
  • Will my stitches be removed or dissolve?
  • What is my follow-up schedule?