At Lam Facial Plastics in Dallas, Dr. Sam Lam performs both upper and lower blepharoplasty with techniques designed to preserve natural eyelid anatomy and minimize unnecessary trauma. Recovery differs between the upper and lower eyelids, so understanding those differences can make planning much easier.
Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery Is Usually Quite Fast
Upper generally has the shorter and easier recovery of the two procedures. Dr. Lam often removes only carefully measured excess skin from the upper eyelid rather than aggressively excising skin, fat, and muscle. Because of this conservative approach, many patients experience relatively little swelling or bruising, even during the first week.
The incision is placed within the natural upper eyelid crease, so it is typically well camouflaged when the eyes are open. Sunglasses also help conceal any remaining inflammation during early recovery.
Upper eyelid sutures are removed in the office seven days after surgery. Dr. Lam personally removes them using very small instruments because he wants to avoid unnecessary disruption of the healing incision.
Lower Blepharoplasty Involves a Bit More Swelling
Lower eyelid surgery has a somewhat different recovery pattern. Dr. Lam performs lower blepharoplasty through a transconjunctival approach, meaning the fat is accessed from inside the eyelid rather than through an external skin incision. Although this avoids a visible scar, the area can still become noticeably swollen during the first week.
Recovery is typically about 7-10 days. Dry eyes are also common during this period and generally last several days to about a week. Dr. Lam may prescribe eyedrops to support healing and reduce discomfort.
When Can You Go Back to Work?
For an isolated upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Lam generally advises taking one week off from work. Because swelling and bruising may be mild, some patients might look socially presentable sooner, but the full week gives the eyelids time to settle and allows for suture removal before returning.
For lower blepharoplasty, patients should usually expect about 7-10 days before they feel ready to return to normal social and professional activities.
When upper and lower blepharoplasty are combined, or when eyelid surgery is performed with fat grafting, brow lift, facelift, or other facial procedures, the recovery can be longer. Dr. Lam explains the expected timeline based on the exact combination being performed.
What About Wearing Contacts and Traveling?
Dr. Lam recommends avoiding contact lenses for at least 10 days after either upper or lower blepharoplasty. Pulling on the eyelids too early can interfere with healing.
For patients traveling to Dallas, those having upper blepharoplasty should plan to remain for one week so Dr. Lam can remove the sutures himself. Patients having only lower blepharoplasty can usually leave after a few days.
Plan Your Blepharoplasty Recovery in Dallas
Recovery after eyelid surgery is very manageable under the care of an expert facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Sam Lam. To understand what your specific recovery may involve, schedule a consultation at Lam Facial Plastics in Dallas.
