Planning to get eye bag surgery soon and wondering what recovery will look like? It’s common for patients to underestimate the healing time involved. However, planning ahead can ensure your surgery has a successful outcome.
Understanding the recovery journey for eye bag reduction surgery can help you feel more confident when the time comes for your surgery.
At Eyelid Pros, we offer eye bag surgery in Southfield, MI, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more about our team.
What Should I Expect for My Eye Bag Surgery Recovery Timeline?
Knowing the phases of healing after under eye bag surgery is just as important as knowing what to expect the day of surgery. When it comes to recovery, patience and preparation can pay off and make your experience easier.
Of course, your surgeon will give you detailed care instructions before your eye bag surgery. They’ll provide all the post-op care instructions you need to know, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
In most cases of eyelid bag removal surgery, there are three main phases to the healing process:
1 to 7 Days After Surgery
The immediate aftermath of eye bag surgery comes with the highest levels of discomfort. While you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain, you may feel tightness, watery eyes, and sensitivity to light.
Cold compresses and over-the-counter medication can help you manage symptoms effectively. In particular, it’s a good idea to apply cold compresses consistently for the first 48 hours after surgery. Aside from helping with discomfort, this will also minimize bruising and swelling.
Bruising or swelling will be at their peak a few days after eye bag surgery. For this reason, sleeping with your head elevated is crucial. An elevated position ensures that fluid is drained out of the eye area properly.
After about a week, any external stitches you have will typically be removed by your surgeon. Once the stitches are out, you may notice healing start to speed up. However, you should still avoid strenuous activities, lifting objects, bending, and any movement that increases blood pressure to the head.
2 to 4 Weeks After Surgery
By the second week after eye bag surgery, you should notice bruising and swelling start to subside. While bruising starts out at a deep purple color, it should fade to a yellow-green by this point. Minor swelling might remain, but it should be down enough for you to return to work and daily activities.
Light makeup can usually be used at this point to cover any discoloration. However, contact lenses should be avoided for two weeks after surgery.
Light exercise can also resume, though heavy lifting and intense cardio are still restricted. Walking and other non-strenous activities are best, though stay away from anything that causes heavy sweating or a rapid spike in your pulse.
1 to 6 Months After Surgery
By the fourth week after eye bag surgery, any obvious swelling should be gone, though there may still be some subtle, deeper swelling near the incision line. This kind of swelling can take an additional three to six months to completely resolve.
Throughout the six months after surgery, scars will continue to fade. Incisions are deliberately placed in hidden areas such as natural creases or, in some cases, inside the eyelid. While the scar is healing, sun protection is essential to prevent hyperpigmentation.
The final, stable results of your eye bag surgery will be visible between the six month and one year mark. At this point, your eyelids will fully settle and healing should be complete.
Work with Us for Expert Eye Bag Surgery in Southfield, MI
Interested in upper or lower eyelid surgery? Consider visiting our team at Eyelid Pros. Our doctors provide eye bag surgery in Southfield, MI, and the surrounding areas. We’re experts in the field of oculoplastics, and offer a variety of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, such as:
- Eyelid blepharoplasty
- Brow lifts
- Skin tightening procedures
- Botox and filler
- Surgery for orbital tumors and fractures
Our physicians are board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and have years of experience. With us, you can be confident your eye bag surgery is in expert hands.
Want to see if you’re a good candidate for eye bag surgery in Southfield, MI? Contact us online or call (248) 796-7277 today for an appointment.
