What is the recovery time for eyelid surgery?

Most patients recover from eyelid surgery within 10 to 14 days for visible swelling and bruising to subside. Final results are more noticeable by week 4, with continued refinement of scars and shape over the following months.

Is eyelid surgery painful?

Eyelid surgery is not typically painful. Patients usually experience mild discomfort, tightness, or a gritty sensation around the eyes, which is easily managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses.

When can I return to work after blepharoplasty?

Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days, depending on their healing process and comfort level. Some return earlier if working remotely or with minimal social interaction.

How long does swelling last after eyelid surgery?

Swelling is most noticeable during the first 3–5 days and typically begins to decrease significantly by the end of the first week. Residual swelling may last up to 2–4 weeks and continues to fade over time.

When will I see final results from eyelid surgery?

Initial results appear within the first two weeks as swelling decreases, but final results may take 2 to 3 months to fully appear. Scars continue to refine and fade for up to a year post-surgery.

How can I support my recovery after eyelid surgery?

Support recovery by keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, avoiding eye strain, following wound care instructions, protecting your eyes from the sun, and avoiding contact lenses until cleared by your surgeon.

What Recovery Looks Like After Eyelid Surgery

Thinking About Eyelid Surgery? Here’s What to Expect Afterward

Eyelid surgery—also called blepharoplasty—is one of the most popular procedures for achieving a refreshed, youthful appearance around the eyes. Whether you’re doing it for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision affected by drooping lids, it’s a small surgery that can make a big difference.

But what happens after the surgery? What will recovery really feel and look like?

At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we believe in preparing you for every step of your transformation—including what to expect once you’re home. This guide breaks down the full eyelid surgery recovery timeline so you can heal with confidence and clarity.

Right After Surgery: The First 24–48 Hours

Immediately after your procedure, your eyes will likely be swollen, red, and bruised—and that’s totally normal. You may also experience:

Blurry vision from ointments or swelling
Dryness or watery eyes
Light sensitivity
Mild discomfort or a feeling of tightness

You’ll go home the same day with instructions and supplies like cold compresses, antibiotic ointment, and possibly eye drops. Most patients find they’re more tired than expected—so resting, ideally with your head elevated, is key.

Pro tip: Prepare a cozy recovery space at home with extra pillows, easy-to-reach essentials, and soft lighting.

Days 2–4: Managing Swelling and Resting

Swelling and bruising tend to peak around the second or third day after surgery. You might look like you’ve had a rough night—or two—but this is completely part of the process.

What to do:

Apply cold compresses regularly
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling
Take prescribed medications as directed
Avoid screen time to rest your eyes

By day four, many patients start to feel more comfortable, though the visible signs of surgery are still very present.

Week 1: Starting to See Progress

As you approach the one-week mark, bruising and swelling begin to subside. If you had sutures placed, your surgeon may remove them around this time (or they may dissolve on their own if self-dissolving stitches were used).

Expect:

Itchy or tight sensations near the incision sites
Some minor scabbing as healing progresses
Increasing comfort with light daily tasks

You might not feel ready to return to work or social activities yet, but you’ll notice the first signs of healing—and that’s encouraging.

Week 2: Looking and Feeling Better

By the second week, most patients feel a noticeable shift in how they look and feel. Swelling and bruising continue to fade, and you might feel ready to ease back into normal activities—just skip anything strenuous.

At this stage:

You can usually return to work, especially if it’s not physically demanding
Light makeup may be used to cover any lingering bruising (with your surgeon’s approval)
Eyelids may still feel slightly numb or tight

You’ll start to see early results from your eyelid surgery—a smoother, more open eye area and a generally more refreshed look.

Weeks 3–4: Getting Back to Normal

Around three to four weeks post-op, most people feel back to their usual selves. While some minor swelling might remain, it’s usually not noticeable to others. Your incisions should be healing nicely, and the scars (if visible) will be fading.

Here’s what to expect:

You can resume light exercise, like walking or stretching
Most restrictions on daily life are lifted
Your eyelids will begin to feel more natural with improved movement

You’ll likely feel confident enough to return to social events or photos without feeling self-conscious.

Month 2 and Beyond: Final Results and Long-Term Healing

By the second month, your final results will be settling in. Most swelling is gone, incisions are well-healed, and your eyes look brighter and more youthful. Even though healing continues beneath the surface for months, the majority of your transformation is now visible.

At this point:

You can resume intense workouts
Scar care routines (like silicone gels or gentle massage) can help fade any remaining marks
Your eyes will feel natural and strong

And best of all? You’ll enjoy a rejuvenated look that makes you appear rested, alert, and more confident.

Tips to Support Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery

To help your healing process go smoothly and safely, keep these tips in mind:

Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely—especially for eye care
Use cold compresses and keep your head elevated in the early days
Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, especially while sleeping
Don’t wear contact lenses until your surgeon says it’s okay
Protect your eyes from sun exposure with sunglasses and sunscreen

Taking a little extra care now ensures beautiful, lasting results for the future.

Liposuction is one of the most popular and effective procedures for removing stubborn fat and sculpting the body. Whether you’re looking to define your waistline, flatten your abdomen, or refine your arms, this body-contouring surgery can help achieve the shape you’ve been working toward.

But what does recovery look like? How painful is the process? And how long does it take to see results?

At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we believe that informed patients are empowered patients. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect from liposuction, including the pain levels, recovery timeline, and what kind of results you can realistically look forward to.

Is Liposuction Painful?

Pain is a common concern—but most patients report that liposuction is more uncomfortable than truly painful.

During the Procedure:

You won’t feel pain, as liposuction is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment area and extent.

After the Procedure:

Most patients experience soreness, swelling, and bruising, similar to the feeling after an intense workout.
Discomfort is most noticeable in the first 3–5 days, then gradually improves.
Pain is typically managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.

The level of discomfort can depend on:

The area treated (e.g., abdomen may be more sensitive than arms)
The amount of fat removed
Your personal pain tolerance

Liposuction Recovery Timeline

Recovery varies slightly depending on the area treated and the technique used (such as tumescent liposuction or VASER), but here’s a general guide:

Days 1–3: Immediate Recovery

Expect swelling, bruising, and mild to moderate soreness.
You’ll wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and help contour your body.
Rest is essential, but gentle walking is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Week 1: Back to Daily Life

Most patients return to desk jobs or light activities after 5–7 days.
Swelling is still present, but the worst discomfort has subsided.
Bruising may linger but should begin to fade.

Weeks 2–4: Increased Mobility

Light exercise can resume (e.g., walking, stretching), but no heavy lifting or intense workouts.
Swelling starts to decrease more noticeably.
You’ll start to see early results, though your final shape is still developing.

Months 2–3: Results Take Shape

The majority of swelling resolves.
Skin begins to tighten and conform to the new contour.
You’ll notice a significant change in body shape, especially in fitted clothes.

Month 6 and Beyond: Final Results

Swelling is completely gone.
Skin has adjusted to your new silhouette.
You’ll see your final, refined results—and they’re typically long-lasting.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It’s designed to:

Remove localized fat deposits
Improve body proportions
Enhance definition in areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, back, and flanks

Patients often report:

Slimmer waistlines
Flatter stomachs
More defined curves
Better-fitting clothes
A boost in confidence

Results are long-term, but maintaining them depends on your diet, activity level, and overall lifestyle.

Will You Have Scars?

Liposuction incisions are small (usually less than 1 cm) and strategically placed in discreet areas, such as natural creases or undergarment lines. With proper care, scars fade significantly over time and are often barely visible.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Follow all post-op instructions from your surgeon.
Wear your compression garment as directed.
Stay well-hydrated and eat nutritious foods to support healing.
Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can slow down recovery.
Be patient—your results will evolve over time.

Is Liposuction Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if you:

Have localized fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise
Are close to your ideal body weight
Have good skin elasticity
Are in overall good health

At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we provide detailed evaluations to determine if liposuction—or another body contouring procedure—is the best option for your goals.

Enhance Your Body with the Best Plastic Surgery Procedures in Tijuana

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in Tijuana, designed to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence.

Body Enhancement and Contouring

If you’re looking to refine your shape and add volume, our BBL in Tijuana (Brazilian Butt Lift) and Liposuction (Lipo 360) procedures will help you achieve a more sculpted and harmonious figure. We also offer Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, a surgery ideal for removing excess skin and tightening the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.

For mothers wanting to restore their pre-pregnancy body, the Mommy Makeover (MMO in Tijuana) combines multiple procedures, such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, and a tummy tuck, to bring back a youthful and firm appearance.

Facial Rejuvenation and Bone Reshaping

Our clinic specializes in advanced facial procedures, including Rhinoplasty in Tijuana to enhance nasal aesthetics and function, as well as Facelift Surgery for a more youthful appearance. We also perform Rib Sculpting and Rib Subluxation, an innovative technique to create a slimmer waistline.

Intimate and Reconstructive Procedures

We understand the importance of feeling confident in all aspects of life. That’s why we offer Vaginoplasty in Tijuana, a procedure that enhances the aesthetics and function of the intimate area.

At Vive Plastic Surgery, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert surgeons to provide natural and safe results. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!