How Long Will My Eyes Feel Tight after Blepharoplasty?

An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a common plastic surgery procedure that improves droopy eyelids that can occur with age.

The skin over the eyes can relax and drop as we get older, sometimes leading to a tired and weary look. In the most extreme cases, the sagging skin can obstruct vision. An eyelid lift removes this extra skin, fat, and muscle and makes the eyes look wider and more alert.

Older patients who think their eyelids may be sagging and making their eyes smaller should talk to their plastic surgeon about blepharoplasty.

Upper blepharoplasty is one of the most frequently performed aesthetic procedures worldwide. According to a systematic review published in PubMed, it consistently produces beneficial functional outcomes. This includes an enlarged visual field and improved quality of life, with reduced headaches and better vision.

Why consider Blepharoplasty?

Is drooping and sagging eyelid skin preventing your eyes from completely opening? Removing the extra tissue from the upper lids can make you look more awake and sometimes improve vision.

An eyelid lift can be a good choice if you have droopy upper eyelids or skin on the upper lids obstructing your vision.

Some patients also may have extra skin on the lower lids or bags under the eyes. A lower eyelid lift can remove excess skin and fat and improve your appearance if that’s what you want.

Some patients have other procedures with their eyelid lift, such as a facelift or dermal fillers to eliminate facial lines and wrinkles.

Blepharoplasty procedure

An eyelid lift is done outpatient, and you can usually go home the same day, as long as you have a ride home. You will be recovering from anesthesia and will be groggy for the rest of the day.

If you have the procedure on the upper and lower lids, your surgeon will probably do the upper lids first. Then, they make an incision on the fold of your upper lid, remove extra skin, fat, and muscle, and close the cut with dissolvable stitches.

The plastic surgeon makes an incision below your lashes in the natural crease on the lower eyelid. Or the incision can be made inside the lower lid. Then, extra fat, muscle, and skin are removed, and the incision is closed.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) describes blepharoplasty as a procedure that addresses both cosmetic and functional concerns, with surgical techniques adapted to each patient’s specific anatomy and goals.

If the skin on the upper lid droops near the pupil, the surgeon may do another procedure called ptosis to increase support to the muscles in the eyebrow.

After the procedure, you may experience some or all of these symptoms, but they are temporary:

Preparing for Blepharoplasty

Getting ready for eyelid surgery will take a few weeks. First, you should speak to your plastic surgeon about what you want to gain from the procedure. Also, talk to the surgeon about their expertise and experience with blepharoplasty.

Before scheduling the surgery, the surgeon will need to do a physical examination, including a physical, and check the condition of your upper and lower lids. They will also take photos of your eyes to help guide the procedure.

Remember to talk to them about any medications you are on, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements.

You will need to stop taking medications that increase bleeding, such as Advil, Motrin, and warfarin. Also, you cannot smoke for several weeks before and after the procedure.

Expectations after Blepharoplasty

Your blepharoplasty procedure will take between two and three hours, depending on if one or both eyes are done.

Patients should expect mild pain, discomfort, bruising, and swelling for four or five days. But these symptoms are normal and will recede with time. You can reduce swelling and bleeding by applying ice or a cold compress for a few minutes at a time.

Surgeons recommend getting plenty of rest and avoiding strenuous exercise and weightlifting for at least a week.

Remember that it is common for patients to feel tightness around the eyes after an eyelid lift. This symptom may persist for one or two weeks. Tightness around the eyes after surgery is usually due to skin and muscle tissue that was trimmed healing. According to the Mayo Clinic, eyelid tightness and swelling following blepharoplasty are expected parts of the healing process. Most patients see that the majority of bruising and swelling resolve within one to two weeks.

Tightness around the eyes after blepharoplasty is normal, and most patients say the procedure’s benefits far outweigh the temporary side effects.

However, if the tightness around your eyes persists for more than a month, you should see your surgeon. You must be able to close your eyes completely.

Note that you can’t wear contact lenses for 14 days after this procedure, so you will need to have prescription glasses available. It isn’t necessary to keep your eyes covered in the days after surgery. But the surgeon may send you home with gauze over the eyes for a few hours.

A prospective study of 348 patients published in PMC/PubMed found significant improvements in multiple patient-reported outcome domains following upper eyelid blepharoplasty. It includes satisfaction with the eyes, overall facial appearance, psychological function, and social function, with minimal adverse effects that improved consistently over time.

For most patients, after three or four weeks, the tightness around the eyes, as well as swelling and bruising, will start to fade. Also, you will notice that your eyes look wider and more alert as the sagging skin over the eyes is gone.

Most patients are satisfied with their blepharoplasty procedure, noticing that their eyes are wider and they look better rested. Some patients may enjoy a lifetime of benefits from the procedure, while others may need revision surgery eventually.

The tightness patients feel after blepharoplasty is one of the most common concerns raised at post-op appointments. In our practice, we reassure patients early that this sensation is part of the healing process. Within three to four weeks, the vast majority feel completely comfortable and are focused on enjoying their results.

– Dr. Lahar

Request a Blepharoplasty consultation

Thinking about blepharoplasty in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty.

References

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Eyelid Surgery.
2. Mayo Clinic. Blepharoplasty: About.
3. Hollander MHJ, et al. Functional Outcomes of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review. PubMed. 2019.
4. Domela Nieuwenhuis I, et al. Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality of Life Following Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Prospective Analysis. PMC/PubMed. 2024.