How Long to Ice After Blepharoplasty | Dr Jonathan Sykes HD

https://drjonathansykes.com -- Blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures done in the U.S. today, and practicing good aftercare is essential for healing. FULL ARTICLE: https://drjonathansykes.com/how-long-to-ice-after-blepharoplasty-eye-lift/ As we age, the muscles controlling our eyelids weaken, and excess skin and fat tend to accumulate above and below the eye. As a result, some people develop “hooded” upper eyelids, where the skin of the eyelid droops over the lashes, or “bags” underneath the eyes that can make a person look constantly tired. A blepharoplasty can fix these cosmetic problems, and often has the added benefit of improving peripheral vision. Icing the eyes after blepharoplasty surgery helps to reduce swelling and discomfort, and should be done according to your doctor’s specific instructions. What is blepharoplasty? Blepharoplasty is a surgery done to help lift and tighten the skin around the eyelids to improve the contour of the eyelids, and to give the eyes a more youthful, alert, and refreshed appearance. A blepharoplasty may be done on the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both, and is often done at the same time as other anti-aging cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, browlift, or fat grafting. It is a very popular surgery because it can take decades off the face, giving the patient a more refreshed, periorbital appearance. Is swelling normal after blepharoplasty? Yes, some swelling and bruising is normal after blepharoplasty, but should resolve within one to three weeks. You may also experience some residual swelling in the cheeks and jawline. Swelling after blepharoplasty may be worse in the morning, and generally peaks around the third day following surgery. It should go down fairly rapidly after that. Using cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling. For as long as you’re experiencing swelling, be sure to sleep with your head propped up on at least two pillows, or slightly upright in a recliner. Is itching normal after blepharoplasty? You may experience some itching around the eyes, but try not to rub them, as this may disturb your stitches. Some patients also say their eyelids feel especially “tight” or stretched for the first few days after surgery, but this symptom will also resolve quickly as you heal. How long should I ice after blepharoplasty? Especially for the first 48 hours after surgery, you should ice as much as possible while you’re awake. Doing so will help ease discomfort and bring down your swelling. The rule of thumb is to ice for 20 minutes, and then take a ten minute break. Keep using ice packs, masks, or cold compresses for as many days as your surgeon prescribes. What is the best way to ice after blepharoplasty? Different surgeons recommend different icing methods following blepharoplasty, and where and how often you do it may depend on the type of surgery that you have. You may be given sterile saline solution and gauze to create cold comp