Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week
Upper blepharoplasty recovery is usually gentler than people expect. Most bruising and swelling settles in about 7–14 days, stitches come out around the same time, and the eyelid crease looks natural after roughly 1–3 months. Everyone heals at their own pace, so treat these numbers as signposts, not deadlines.
By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon, oculoplastic ophthalmologist
What is upper blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty is surgery to remove excess upper eyelid skin, and sometimes a little fat, through an incision hidden in the natural eyelid crease. It is most often done when loose skin (dermatochalasis) folds down onto the lashes, makes the eyes look tired, or crowds the upper part of your vision.
It is not the same as fixing a droopy eyelid caused by a weak lifting muscle (ptosis). If the lid margin itself sits low, removing skin alone will not open the eye, and the muscle needs attention too. You can read more about droopy eyelid correction.
What does upper blepharoplasty recovery look like week by week?
Days 1–3: the puffy phase
Swelling usually peaks in the first two to three days. Your eyelids may feel tight, and vision can be a little blurry from ointment. Cold compresses as advised, rest with your head raised, and plenty of podcasts are your friends here.
Days 7–14: stitches out, bruises fading
Stitches are usually removed around 7–14 days after surgery. Bruising turns yellow and fades, and many people start to feel comfortable being seen in public, often with sunglasses for the last of the colour.
Weeks 3–6: settling in
Most visible swelling has gone, but the lids may still look slightly full in the morning. The scar is pink and slowly softening.
Months 1–3: the crease looks natural
The crease relaxes and looks natural after roughly 1–3 months, and the scar continues to fade over the following months.
How can I help my eyelids heal?
Use cold compresses exactly as your surgeon advises
Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow for the first few days
Do not rub or press on your eyelids
Avoid heavy exercise and bending over until your surgeon says it is fine
Skip eye makeup until you are cleared at follow-up
Use your prescribed drops or ointment and protect your eyes from the sun
For more practical tips, see how to reduce swelling after eyelid surgery.
Is it normal for my eyes to feel dry after upper eyelid surgery?
Some dryness or a feeling that the eyes do not close completely while the lids are swollen can happen in the early weeks. It often improves as swelling settles, but always mention it at your follow-up so your surgeon can check it and adjust your eye drops. If heavy upper lids were your reason for surgery, this guide on how to fix hooded eyes explains the options.
When should I contact my surgeon straight away?
Call the clinic or go to the nearest emergency department if you notice pain that keeps getting worse, sudden tense swelling on one side, any loss of vision, fever, a red, hot or oozing wound, or bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How long does upper blepharoplasty recovery take?
Most bruising and swelling settles in about 7–14 days and stitches come out in the same period. The crease usually looks natural after about 1–3 months.
When can I wear makeup or contact lenses again?
Wait until your surgeon has checked the wound and given you the go-ahead, usually after the stitches are out and the incision has closed well.
Will I have a visible scar?
The incision sits in the natural eyelid crease. It may look pink at first and then fades gradually, although how a scar heals varies from person to person.
Book a consultation with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Preamjit Saonanon in Thong Lo, Bangkok
Book online: en.saonanonclinic.com/book-online
LINE: @saonanon
Phone: +66 90 946 3090
Clinic hours: Thursday 16:00–20:00 and Saturday 09:00–20:00 (Bangkok time)
This article is general information and does not replace a medical examination. Results vary from person to person.
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