Eyelid Surgery Recovery – What you need to know

Jessica Lattman, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:26:44 +0000

Many of my patients are busy men and women who need to get back to their everyday activities as soon as possible! So, I take optimizing recovery very seriously. Surgical technique, pre-op preparation, and post-op care are all key factors in a speedy recovery after surgery. Here is the lowdown on recovery after cosmetic eyelid surgery.

The day of the procedure

On the day of the procedure, don’t expect to get much done other than showing up for surgery and resting afterward. My staff will greet you at my surgery center, and you will be welcomed and made to feel relaxed and comfortable. Most patients have little to no pain after surgery and go home and rest comfortably that day. You will need to apply ice as instructed throughout the day.

If you would like, our office provides private duty nurses to take you home and spend the first day and/or night with you, so you can relax and feel well taken care of. This is a great option and helps relieve any stress or answer any questions that may come up on that first day.

The first week

You will have stitches for the first week after surgery. Most patients have a mild amount of bruising and swelling. It is important in the first week to avoid heavy lifting and bending, because this increase bruising. Most patients resume a limited “normal” schedule during the first week—meaning you will be able to read, work at the computer, drive, and be gently active.

The second week

After the stitches come out, most patients resume their normal activities. Heavy bending and lifting are still not allowed this week, but most of my patients are able to go back to the office.

The third week

This week, all of the bruising should be gone. Some mild swelling will persist, and the final result can take months to see, but by the third week, patients can resume all normal activities, including getting back to the gym.

The months to Follow

In the months following surgery, I will continue to see you in the office. Usually, I see my patients at 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-op. It is always great to stay in close touch with my patients and hear how the surgery has changed their lives for the better. I tell all my patients that they are welcome back to the office at any time, and I am always available to them. Forming long-lasting relationships with my surgical patients is one of my favorite things about what I do.

Call us at (212) 832-5456, or request online that we call you back by submitting our online request form here.