Blepharoplasty recovery: what to expect

Blepharoplasty is a surgery with simple recovery, but visible effects in the first days. Here is a realistic timeline to help you plan.

The first days (D0 to D3)

Swelling and bruising peak at around 48 hours. Regular icing and resting with the head raised limit them. Pain is modest and relieved by paracetamol.

Suture removal (at about one week)

Sutures are removed at the practice at about one week — quick and painless. Bruising fades within 1 to 2 weeks and can then be covered with make-up.

Back to work and social life

Most patients return to a normal social and professional life within 7 to 10 days. For cosmetic blepharoplasty there is no prescribed sick leave: plan days off. Screens and reading are possible quickly, in short sessions.

Sport, sun, make-up

Gentle sport from 2 weeks, intense sport and swimming at 3-4 weeks. Protect the scars from the sun (sunglasses, total sunblock). Eyelid make-up after healing, generally at 2-3 weeks.

The final result

You already get a good preview of the result at 1 month, but the final result is assessed between 3 and 6 months, once residual swelling has fully resolved. The full process is detailed in the patient journey.