Ptosis surgery corrects a drooping upper eyelid, a condition that can impair vision and affect appearance. The procedure involves tightening the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid to restore its proper position and contour. Understanding the recovery process is important for managing expectations and ensuring a successful outcome.
Immediate Post-Operative Care and Discomfort
Upon returning home, patients should expect a degree of soreness, tightness, and mild discomfort in the operated eyelid. This initial feeling of ache is typically managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, rather than stronger prescription medications. The most pronounced swelling and bruising usually peak within the first 48 to 72 hours following the procedure.
To minimize this swelling, the frequent application of cold compresses or ice packs is recommended during the first two to three days. This should be done for short intervals, such as 10 to 15 minutes every hour while awake. Patients are generally advised to sleep with their head elevated on two or more pillows for the first few nights to further assist in draining excess fluid from the area.
Initial eye care also involves the use of prescribed antibiotic ointments or eye drops to prevent infection and keep the ocular surface lubricated. It is common to experience temporary symptoms like watery eyes, mild light sensitivity, or a gritty sensation. If a protective eye dressing was applied, it is usually removed the day after the surgery, at which point gentle cleansing of the incision site with a sterile solution may begin, strictly following the surgeon’s instructions.
Navigating the Recovery Timeline and Activity Restrictions
Major swelling begins to subside noticeably within the first week. Bruising and residual puffiness can take longer to fully resolve, often fading entirely over three to four weeks. As the swelling decreases, the initial asymmetry or contour irregularities are expected to improve significantly.
Stitches are typically removed, or dissolve if self-absorbing material was used, at a follow-up appointment scheduled approximately four to seven days after the operation. Most individuals with desk jobs or non-strenuous careers can consider returning to work within seven to ten days, once the most visible signs of surgery have diminished.
Patients must avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any action that requires bending over for at least two weeks, as these can increase blood pressure in the head and lead to bleeding or increased swelling. Light exercise, such as gentle walking, is usually permissible sooner, but more vigorous activities like running or heavy weightlifting should be postponed for about three to six weeks. Contact lenses and eye makeup must be avoided for a minimum of two weeks to prevent irritation, infection, and potential disruption to the healing incision line.
Recognizing Potential Complications
Certain signs warrant immediate contact with the surgical team. Signs of infection, which is a rare but serious complication, include:
- Increasing redness that spreads beyond the incision line.
- Warmth or tenderness.
- The presence of pus-like discharge.
- A fever exceeding 100.4°F.
Excessive bleeding from the incision that continues despite firm, gentle pressure with a cold compress for 15 minutes is also a sign for concern. Sudden, severe eye pain that is not relieved by the prescribed or recommended pain medication, or any abrupt change in vision, must be addressed immediately.
Inability to fully close the eyelid, known as lagophthalmos, is a common but temporary side effect. While mild lagophthalmos often resolves within the first few weeks, any inability to close the eye coupled with severe dryness or persistent eye irritation requires aggressive lubrication and monitoring by the surgeon to protect the cornea. Persistent, significant asymmetry that develops rapidly and is accompanied by worsening symptoms should also be reported.
Achieving Final Results and Long-Term Follow-up
The immediate post-operative appearance is not the final result. The final, stable position and contour of the eyelid can typically be assessed and judged after the initial three to six months. It is normal for the eyelid height to fluctuate slightly or appear uneven in the early weeks while residual swelling is present.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled at key intervals, such as one week, one month, and then three to six months, to monitor healing and evaluate the result. Though rare, a small percentage of patients may require a minor “touch-up” procedure if a slight under-correction or residual asymmetry persists after the first few months. The correction from ptosis surgery is generally long-lasting, often providing sustained functional and aesthetic improvement.