Patients can undergo blepharoplasty surgery for both functional and cosmetic reasons. In some instances, an eyelid lift is used to remove sagging eyelids that hinder patients’ vision. Or, in other cases, blepharoplasty is used to correct under-eye bags, excess fat deposits in the eyelids, and other visible signs of aging.
Regardless of why patients choose blepharoplasty surgery, pain in the eyes is common after treatment. Yet, patients who work with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh can get the help they need to limit pain following blepharoplasty surgery.
Dr. Azizzadeh is globally recognized for his facial plastic and reconstructive surgery expertise, particularly when it comes to eyelid lift procedures. He helps patients streamline blepharoplasty recovery, as well as limit pain and other side effects during this time.
Will Patients Experience Severe Pain During Blepharoplasty Recovery?
A study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery was used to evaluate pain in patients who underwent an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. In the study, patients rated their pain level after upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery based on an 11-point scale. Patient scores were collected at intervals of two to four hours, one day, two days, three days, seven days, and one month following their upper blepharoplasty procedures.
The aforementioned study revealed the time to peak pain after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty was approximately 4.4 hours. It also showed the time to the most severe pain level after an upper eyelid blepharoplasty was two to four hours.
In addition, this study indicated most upper eyelid blepharoplasty patients experienced mild to moderate pain following treatment. Most patients’ pain level scores were below-average, and their pain was persistent for up to seven days after upper eyelid lift surgery.
Ultimately, the amount of pain that patients experience after blepharoplasty surgery varies. Dr. Azizzadeh takes precautionary measures to help patients reduce post-blepharoplasty pain. With his in-depth approach to eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Azizzadeh limits the risk of long-term pain.
Tips to Relieve Pain After Blepharoplasty Surgery
There are many things a patient can do to relieve pain following a blepharoplasty, such as:
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Stay away from strenuous activities for up to four weeks after a blepharoplasty.
- Use a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling around the eyes.
- Use Eye Drops: Apply eye drops to limit eye dryness.
- Use Eye Protection: Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect the eyes against sunlight.
- Get Plenty of Rest: Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to accelerate the blepharoplasty healing process.
Eyelid lift patients can reach out to Dr. Azizzadeh at any point after surgery for blepharoplasty recovery support. If a blepharoplasty patient experiences severe pain that lingers for many weeks or months after surgery, they should share their concerns with Dr. Azizzadeh.
What to Expect During Blepharoplasty Recovery
Blepharoplasty recovery takes about 10 days. Blurry vision, bruising, and swelling are among the primary side effects that patients experience immediately after an eyelid lift. These side effects are temporary, and they can last for a few days after treatment.
Patients can experience scarring following a blepharoplasty procedure as well. Dr. Azizzadeh tries to hide blepharoplasty surgical incisions in natural eyelid creases, which helps reduce the appearance of post-treatment scars.
Dr. Azizzadeh also provides comprehensive blepharoplasty recovery instructions to his patients. These instructions help patients limit the risk of complications after an eyelid lift, and they put patients in position to achieve the best results from blepharoplasty surgery.
What Postoperative Care Instructions Are Provided to Blepharoplasty Patients?
Blepharoplasty recovery should be simple, and Dr. Azizzadeh provides postoperative care instructions to take the guesswork out of the recovery period. These instructions focus on three areas:
Activity
Although blepharoplasty surgery patients likely want to work, go to school, or resume other normal activities right away, activity should be limited after treatment. That way, a patient can focus on what’s most important: fully recovering from blepharoplasty surgery.
Blepharoplasty patients should try to avoid any activities that can put pressure on the eyes following surgery. Otherwise, any pressure on the eyes can lead to pain.
In the first few days after blepharoplasty surgery, patients should keep the head elevated as frequently as possible. It can also be beneficial to use two to three pillows at bedtime, so the head stays elevated when sleeping.
A patient’s eyes tend to get tired easily in the initial days after a blepharoplasty, so driving should be avoided during this time. The patient should plan for someone to provide a ride home after blepharoplasty surgery, as well as find someone to drive them anywhere they need to go in the days following treatment. Also, the patient should limit reading, watching TV, and using a computer for at least a few days after blepharoplasty surgery.
For patients who wear contact lenses, they will usually need to avoid placing contact lenses in their eyes for a minimum of two weeks after blepharoplasty surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh can let a patient know when it is safe to start wearing contact lenses following a blepharoplasty. Eye makeup should be avoided for about two weeks after blepharoplasty surgery as well.
In terms of showering after a blepharoplasty, patients should do so cautiously, since shampoo, soap, and hair spray can inadvertently get into the eyes and cause severe pain. Patients should also not get their hair permed or colored for about 10 days after surgery or until Dr. Azizzadeh says it is safe to do so.
Medicine
Patients should disclose any medicines they currently take before blepharoplasty surgery is performed. Some medicines can interfere with blepharoplasty recovery, and as such, may need to be avoided in the days or weeks leading up to an eyelid lift.
If Dr. Azizzadeh believes a patient can benefit from a pain reliever during blepharoplasty recovery, he prescribes medication accordingly. In this instance, a patient should follow Dr. Azizzadeh’s instructions for medication use. If the patient experiences severe side effects of medication, notify Dr. Azizzadeh immediately.
Incision Care
A bandage is placed over a patient’s eyes after a blepharoplasty. The patient is then responsible for wearing and maintaining the bandage for a period determined by Dr. Azizzadeh.
Patients should keep the bandage and the area around it as clean as possible after blepharoplasty surgery. This helps limit the risk of infection and other eyelid problems following treatment.
Dr. Azizzadeh requests follow-up appointments with a blepharoplasty patient. He uses these appointments to respond to any post-eyelid lift surgery concerns and questions, as well as ensure his patient’s recovery stays on course.
When Do the Full Results of a Blepharoplasty Become Visible?
Blepharoplasty recovery is complete once the full results of treatment become visible, which can occur up to one year following surgery. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent, but some patients can experience droopy eyelids years after treatment.
The benefits of blepharoplasty can be significant, which is reflected in a retrospective study of 200 medical records of patients who underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty procedures. This study was used to evaluate the risk of complications following blepharoplasty surgery, along with ways to avoid such issues.
In the study, researchers found the incidence of complications among blepharoplasty patients was less than 10%. Researchers noted blepharoplasty can simultaneously yield a high patient satisfaction rate and a low complication rate. They also stated that blepharoplasty surgery can provide both functional and cosmetic benefits, particularly when the procedure is performed with precision and care.
Why Do Patients Choose Dr. Azizzadeh for Blepharoplasty Surgery?
The success of a blepharoplasty is largely dependent on who a patient chooses to perform the procedure. By selecting Dr. Azizzadeh for blepharoplasty surgery, patients can work with a top facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon to correct functional or cosmetic eyelid issues.
Dr. Azizzadeh is a leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon for celebrities, global dignitaries, and executives, thanks in part to his commitment to patient care. He understands that each blepharoplasty patient is dealing with different eyelid issues, and he works diligently to correct these problems as safely and effectively as possible.
Before blepharoplasty surgery is performed, Dr. Azizzadeh analyzes a patient. Dr. Azizzadeh learns about the patient and identifies any functional or cosmetic issues of the eyelids. Next, Dr. Azizzadeh crafts a custom blepharoplasty treatment plan for his patient. Dr. Azizzadeh then teaches his patient about blepharoplasty surgery, eyelid lift recovery, and other aspects of treatment. If Dr. Azizzadeh and his patient agree to surgery, they work together to accomplish their desired results.
Patients who want to learn more about eyelid lift surgery can meet with Dr. Azizzadeh. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh, please contact us online or call us today at 310-657-2203.