Progress and healing

Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision site is also possible. These are all common conditions.

Dr. Barnthouse will instruct you to keep your head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided and to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light, sun and wind. Follow all instructions carefully - this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.

Healing of incisions may take 5 to 10 days at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity at this time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetics can camouflage any bruising or redness that remains. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines improve. Diligent sun protection and consistent use of darkly tinted sunglasses is essential.

Results and outlook

Your final results will appear over time, generally within several weeks. It may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Life-long sun protection including the use of sunscreen and sunglasses will help to maintain your results.

The benefits of your surgery should reveal a smooth, firm contour of the upper and/or lower eyelids. What matters more is that the appearance of your eyes matches the way you feel inside - youthful, vital and alert.