Recovery after lower blepharoplasty
How recovery after lower blepharoplasty unfolds — swelling and bruising, stitch removal, returning to daily life, and care during recovery.
After lower blepharoplasty, swelling and bruising appear under the eyes and then ease in stages. The skin there is thin, so bruising shows easily; it is wise to leave some margin before important events.
The stages
- Right after surgery — swelling, bruising, tightness and a foreign-body sensation. The eyes may water more or briefly feel as if they don't fully close.
- Stitch removal — stitches are removed if the skin was incised. With the conjunctival approach there are often no external stitches.
- Back to daily life — major swelling and bruising have gone and what remains can be covered with make-up.
- Settling — residual swelling and firmness ease and the under-eye contour settles.
Washing is generally possible after about 5–7 days and make-up after about 7–10 days, while light daily activity is possible straight away. Contact lenses resume after about 1 month.
Care during recovery
- Cold compresses early on; sleep with your head raised
- Don't rub or press your eyes
- Until advised, avoid pulling the lower lid down (for example, putting in lenses)
- Resume washing, make-up and exercise when advised
Frequently asked questions
The area under my eye feels firm — is that normal? Tissue can feel temporarily firm during recovery and usually softens with time. It is checked at your follow-up.