Eyelid Surgery Recovery in San Diego: Healing Timeline for Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
- Jean-Paul Abboud, MD, PhD
- 12 hours ago
- 5 min read
What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery Recovery
If you’re considering eyelid surgery — also known as blepharoplasty — one of the most common questions is: “What will the recovery be like?” Whether you're planning to address drooping upper eyelids, puffiness under the lower lids, or both, understanding the healing process can help you feel prepared and confident.
At Oculofacial Surgical Arts in San Diego, we care for many women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want a more rested, youthful appearance around the eyes. The good news? Recovery from eyelid surgery is often quicker and easier than people expect. With the right aftercare and guidance, most patients are back to their usual routines in just a couple of weeks — and enjoying the refreshed look they came in for.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
A day-by-day and week-by-week healing timeline
The differences between upper and lower eyelid surgery recovery
Expert aftercare tips to heal faster and more comfortably
Frequently asked questions I hear from patients in San Diego and Southern California
Let’s begin with what to expect in the first few days after your blepharoplasty procedure.
Recovery Timeline – How Long Does Healing Take?
Days 1–3: Immediate Post-Op Period
After surgery, it's normal to experience:
Swelling around the eyes (which may increase slightly over the first 48 hours)
Mild bruising or discoloration
Blurred vision from ointments or swelling
A sensation of tightness or dry eyes
During this stage:
Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping
Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully, especially regarding ointments and post-operative medications
Rest and avoid prolonged screen time, reading, or anything that strains the eyes
Most patients feel well enough to walk around the house and perform light activities, but it's best to have help nearby for the first day or two.
Week 1: Early Healing
By the end of the first week:
Swelling begins to subside
Bruising may start to fade (though it may still be visible)
Stitches (if not dissolvable) are typically removed around day 5–8
Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities at this point. You may want to wear sunglasses if you're going out in public. Some patients resume remote work or non-strenuous tasks during this time.
Weeks 2–3: Returning to Normal
This is when the transformation starts to become more noticeable:
Bruising and swelling continue to diminish
Redness around incisions fades
Most patients feel ready to return to work or social events
You may still have subtle swelling, especially in the morning, but it’s typically not noticeable to others. At this point, most patients can:
Resume light exercise (if approved)
Wear makeup (especially to conceal redness)
Use contact lenses (usually after 14-21 days)
Week 4 and Beyond: Final Refinement
By week 4:
Most swelling is gone
Incisions start to fade
The transformative results of your upper or lower eyelid surgery will soon become fully apparent
Some residual swelling may linger in the lower lids, especially first thing in the morning, but it continues to improve.
Final results — including scar softening and natural-looking contour — are typically seen between 3 to 9 months.
Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Surgery – What’s the Difference in Recovery?
Both upper and lower blepharoplasty can refresh your appearance, but they differ slightly in how the healing process feels:
Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Recovery is usually faster and easier
Most swelling is mild and resolves quickly
Incisions are hidden in the natural eyelid crease
Many patients feel ready to return to work in 5–7 days
Lower Eyelid Surgery Recovery
May involve slightly more bruising and swelling, especially under the eyes
Healing can take slightly longer (10–14 days for social recovery)
Incisions are typically made inside the eyelid (in a transconjunctival approach) or just below the lash line
Skin may appear red or tight if laser resurfacing is performed at the same time
Combining both procedures is common and often only slightly extends recovery time. Your surgeon will help you plan accordingly.
Top Tips for a Smooth Blepharoplasty Recovery
To ensure a comfortable healing process and the best results possible, here are my top recommendations:
Follow all post-op instructions from your surgeon closely
Sleep with your head elevated for the first week to reduce swelling
Use cold compresses especially during the first 48 hours. You may then switch to warm (if advised)
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or vigorous exercise for at least 2 weeks
Stay out of direct sunlight — wear sunglasses and apply SPF on healing skin
Don’t use eye makeup too soon — wait until you’re cleared (usually after 14-21 days)
Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support tissue healing
Be patient — healing is a process, but the results are worth it
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I take off work after eyelid surgery?
For upper eyelid surgery, most people take 5–7 days off. For lower eyelid surgery, plan for 10–14 days to allow bruising to resolve. If you work remotely or don’t mind some visible swelling, you may return sooner.
Does eyelid surgery recovery hurt?
Discomfort is usually mild and well-managed with Tylenol. Most patients describe a tight or sore feeling rather than sharp pain.
When can I wear makeup again?
Most patients can resume eye makeup 14-21 days after surgery, once incisions have healed and any redness has subsided.
Will I have visible scars?
Blepharoplasty incisions are carefully placed in natural folds and tend to heal very well. Upper eyelid scars are hidden in the crease, and lower eyelid scars are entirely hidden if placed inside the eyelid, or nearly invisible under the lashes in cases where skin is removed.
When can I exercise after eyelid surgery?
Light walking is fine after a few days. Strenuous exercise, weightlifting, or intense cardio should wait at least 2–3 weeks, or until your surgeon gives the green light.
Final Thoughts and When to Call Us
Healing from eyelid surgery is often smoother than patients expect. With the right guidance and aftercare, most people feel like themselves again within a week or two — and enjoy brighter, more rested eyes that still look like you.
If you're considering upper or lower eyelid surgery in San Diego, or have questions about your recovery, our team is here to help. We, at Oculofacial Surgical Arts, are proud to care for patients throughout Southern California who want to look refreshed, natural, and confident.
Dr. Abboud is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in San Diego who is an expert on cosmetic blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (AAO) and is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
For more information about Blepharoplasty and Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abboud for personalized advice on eyelid surgery, call our office at 858.356.2647
These are images of actual patients of Dr. Jean-Paul Abboud. They are shown for informational purposes only and are provided with written patient consent for use on this website. Please do not copy or distribute images/videos. Each individual’s treatment and/or results will vary, and no guarantee is stated or implied by any photo or statement used on this website.
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