Loading ...There is no doubt that eyelid surgery can improve the look of a person, but whether this surgical procedure is associated with risks like slow healing is a question that any potential eyelid surgery patient harbors in his or her mind before the surgery.
For the benefit of those who worry for the eyelid surgery’s healing period, we should shed some light on this important issue to make people aware of the facts and help them take a decision accordingly. There is no doubt that this procedure involves some surgery but when done properly and when post-surgery care is well taken care of, the eyelid surgery healing takes a reasonably satisfactory time. Let’s find more about this important issue and know what the surgery is, why post surgery care is essential, and what the normal eyelid surgery healing time is.
The surgery
The surgical procedure takes about two hours if both the lower and upper eyelids are done together. The patient is given a local anesthesia and oral or intravenous sedation before the procedure. Starting from the upper eyelid, in case all four eyelids are to be done, the surgeon proceeds to the lower eyelids. Small incisions following the natural lines of the eyelids are made through which the skin will be separated from the underlying tissues and excess fat, muscles and the skin will be removed. Sutures may or may not be necessary, which remain for three to six days.
The surgery can be performed by using a technique that suits more the individual case. Laser resurfacing is recommended after the surgery.
Post Surgery Care and Eyelid Surgery Healing Process
To alleviate post-surgery discomfort certain medications will be given including analgesics, ointment and lubricating agent. Cold compress is applied to reduce swelling, and eye drops are given to help the eyes from drying out.
During the first week, the patient is advised to avoid any activity that may dry up the eyes, including wearing contacts, reading, using computer, etc. The head has to be kept elevated as much as possible during the first few days. Stitches will be removed in two to seven days after the surgery. Once the stitches are removed, the patient can feel fit to return to normal activities.
For the first two week, the patient has to use dark sunglasses to protect the eyes from sun and wind. The eyes get tired easily during these days, therefore, it is recommended to rest as often as possible.
During the first three to four weeks, the patient has to avoid any activity that increases blood flow especially to the eyes. Activities such as sports, lifting weights, bending, crying, etc has to be avoided.
Having seen all such recovery stages and post surgery case necessities, it can be said that it may take several weeks for a patient to recover from the eyelid surgery. When both the surgery and post-surgery care is well taken care of, the recovery time will be fast and takes the normal stretch, however, when any of the above conditions are not met properly, the eyelid surgery healing time increases accordingly.
