Recovery guide · day-by-day
Blepharoplasty (eyelid) recovery: week by week
Eyelid surgery recovery is visual (bruising and swelling around eyes for 2 weeks) but generally low pain. Most patients return to desk work at 7-10 days, public-facing at 14 days.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Eyelid surgery recovery is visual (bruising and swelling around eyes for 2 weeks) but generally low pain.
- ✓Return to desk work: Day 5-7. Return to office: Day 10-14.
- ✓Most exercise restrictions lift by week 6-12 depending on activity.
- ✓Always follow your specific surgeon’s discharge protocol over general guidance. Recovery times vary by patient.
Day-by-day
Full blepharoplasty (eyelid) recovery timeline
Day 0-3
What happens
- Day procedure
- Ice continuous first 48 hours
- Bruising and swelling peak
- Lubricating eye drops and ointment
Do
- Sleep on back, head elevated
- Continuous ice
- Use eye drops as directed
Do not
- Bend forward
- Read for long periods
- Wear contact lenses
Call surgeon if
- Sudden vision change
- Severe one-sided swelling
- Sudden severe pain unrelieved by prescribed pain medication
- Calf pain, swelling or shortness of breath (possible DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Spreading redness, hot skin, fever over 38°C (possible infection)
- Heavy bleeding through dressings
- Sudden change in colour of skin or tissue (white, blue, or grey)
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you taking medications
Day 4-7
What happens
- Bruising fades from purple to yellow
- Stitches removed at 5-7 days
- Return to gentle desk work day 5-7
Do
- Gentle facial movements
- Sunglasses outdoors
- Continue elevated sleeping
Do not
- Eye makeup until day 7-10
- Contact lenses until week 2
Call surgeon if
- Sudden severe pain unrelieved by prescribed pain medication
- Calf pain, swelling or shortness of breath (possible DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Spreading redness, hot skin, fever over 38°C (possible infection)
- Heavy bleeding through dressings
- Sudden change in colour of skin or tissue (white, blue, or grey)
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you taking medications
Week 2-3
What happens
- Bruising mostly resolved by week 3
- Subtle swelling persists
- Most return to office at week 2
Do
- Light cardio at week 2
- Sunscreen on incision
- Concealer for residual bruising
Do not
- Yoga inversions
- Heavy lifting
Call surgeon if
- Sudden severe pain unrelieved by prescribed pain medication
- Calf pain, swelling or shortness of breath (possible DVT or pulmonary embolism)
- Spreading redness, hot skin, fever over 38°C (possible infection)
- Heavy bleeding through dressings
- Sudden change in colour of skin or tissue (white, blue, or grey)
- Persistent vomiting that prevents you taking medications
Week 3-6
What happens
- Final shape visible
- Strength training resumes
- Scar in upper lid crease essentially invisible
Do
- Resume all activity
- Continue sunscreen
Do not
- Forget sunscreen on healing scar
Call surgeon if
- Persistent asymmetry, dry eye, lid retraction
Month 2-6
What happens
- Final result settled
- Subtle residual swelling can persist 6-8 weeks
- Permanent improvement
Do
- 6-month review
- Sunscreen religiously for 12 months
Do not
- Skip sunscreen - scars pigment easily in first year
Call surgeon if
- Dry eye not improving, lid asymmetry
Common questions
Blepharoplasty (eyelid) recovery - common questions
How long is the bruising visible?
Bruising fades from purple at day 3 to yellow at day 7 to mostly resolved by week 2. Makeup can cover residual bruising from day 7-10. Most patients return to public-facing work at 2-3 weeks.
When can I wear makeup again?
Eye makeup at day 7-10 (after stitches removed). Foundation and concealer on day 5-7 (avoid actual incision sites). Mascara at day 7-10. Avoid waterproof or oil-based makeup for 2 weeks (harder to remove without rubbing).
When can I wear contact lenses?
Most surgeons say week 2. Contacts can be uncomfortable in the first 7-10 days due to dryness and slight swelling. Soft lenses tolerated earlier than rigid lenses. Lubricating drops between lens wear sessions for first month.
Will my dry eye get worse?
Mild dry eye is common for 2-6 weeks post-op and resolves spontaneously. Pre-existing dry eye sufferers may have more persistent symptoms - discuss with your surgeon before booking. Aggressive skin removal can cause permanent dry eye (rare); your surgeon should plan conservatively if you have dry eye history.
How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Upper blepharoplasty results last 10-15 years before any meaningful re-laxity returns - one of the most durable plastic surgery procedures. Lower blepharoplasty fat repositioning is permanent. Skin laxity continues with age but at a slower rate from the new baseline.
General guidance only. Recovery times vary by patient. Your specific surgeon’s discharge protocol always supersedes general guidance. Sources: ASPS patient guidance, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, standard plastic surgery textbook protocols. Last updated 17 May 2026.