Our eyelids play a huge part in protecting the cornea, the outer layer of the eyeball. The surface of our eyes must be constantly moist, and the eyelid is responsible for evenly spreading the tear film across the surface. While our eyelids play a huge role, they can droop over time, which can affect your confidence.
More and more people are opting for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to restore a more youthful appearance. Before undergoing surgery, here are some useful tips that can speed up the recovery process.
Use an Ice Pack
Commonly known as eyelid surgery, a blepharoplasty can cause swelling, bruising and mild pain during the recovery period. In some cases, symptoms can stick around a bit longer, so it’s wise to have an ice pack or cold compress ready that can be used to reduce any discomfort and swelling. It can be applied every 10 to 15 minutes for the first day after your surgery.
Get Pain Medication
To alleviate any pain or discomfort, make sure you have pain medication in your cupboard in advance. If you’re not sure what to take, your doctor can advise you further. You may find you only need over-the-counter medicine, but you could need a prescription too.
Plenty of Rest
While it may sound obvious, some patients who have previously undergone eyelid surgery made the mistake of not resting enough. Your eyes and body need time to rest and recovery from surgery. One of the best things you can do is get a good night’s sleep. This is because a lack of rest will slow down wound healing. In the days after your eyelid surgery, you may feel more tired than normal, so ensure you have regular naps when you need them. Some people have difficulty putting their feet up during recovery but, if you want to see results quicker, lots of rest is key.
Don’t Stress Your Eyes
It can be difficult to do so, but you must avoid checking your emails, reading books, or watching TV for at least seven days following your eyelid surgery. Any of these activities are notorious for causing dry eyes, which is something you must avoid if you want to speed up the healing process. Some things you can do to pass the time instead include listening to music and podcasts.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
During the first couple of weeks after your eyelid surgery, it’s advised to avoid activities that increase blood flow to the eyes. If you’re a lover of regular exercise, it’s time to take things easy until you are fully recovered. Whether you enjoy playing sports, aerobics, or going for a jog, you must avoid strenuous activities for now. Some everyday tasks can also increase blood flow and pressure in your head, such as lifting heavy items or bending, so these must be avoided too.
Whether you’ve undergone eyelid surgery for cosmetic purposes, or to help improve your vision, you can speed up the healing process by following the tips above.
