Preparation

Welcome to Your Recovery Hub

The Recovery Hub is designed to support you through every stage of your blepharoplasty journey. From preparation through to your final results, you'll find practical advice, realistic expectations, and reassurance along the way.

Each stage of this guide will help you understand what's normal, what to watch for, and how to optimise your recovery.

Before Your Surgery

Medical Preparation

• Stop smoking at least two weeks before your procedure. Smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.
• Discontinue blood-thinning medications as directed by your surgeon. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo.
• If you wear contact lenses, plan to switch to glasses for at least two weeks after surgery.
• Provide a complete medical history including all medications, supplements, eye conditions, and any previous eye surgeries.
• Attend your pre-operative assessment if required, to ensure you're fit for surgery.

Practical Arrangements

• Arrange for someone to collect you from the hospital. You cannot drive or take public transport home after a general anaesthetic.
• Ensure someone can stay with you for at least the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
• Take time off work - plan for 10-14 days, depending on your job and how quickly you heal.
• Prepare your recovery space with extra pillows to sleep elevated (helps reduce swelling), easy-to-prepare meals, and entertainment.
• Stock up on audiobooks or podcasts - your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to screen time in the first few days.

Recovery Supplies Checklist

Gather these items before your surgery so everything is ready when you return home:

Essential Items

• Dark sunglasses (UV protection) - to protect your eyes from light sensitivity and wind when going outdoors
• Lubricating eye drops (preservative-free) - your eyes may feel dry or gritty. Brands like Systane Ultra or Blink are excellent
• Cold compress or gel eye masks - keep several in the freezer for rotation. Avoid direct ice on skin
• Extra pillows or wedge pillow - sleeping with your head elevated 30-45 degrees helps reduce swelling
• Gentle face cleanser - fragrance-free, such as Cetaphil or CeraVe
• Clean washcloths or cotton pads - for gentle cleaning around the eyes
• Eye ointment - your surgeon may prescribe antibiotic ointment; have it filled before surgery

Optional but Helpful

• Arnica tablets or cream - may help reduce bruising (though scientific evidence is limited, it's harmless)
• Button-up shirts or zip-up tops - to avoid pulling clothing over your head and disturbing the surgical sites
• Travel neck pillow - useful for keeping your head supported and elevated while resting
• Entertainment that doesn't require screens - audiobooks, podcasts, or music to rest your eyes
• Straws for drinking - makes hydration easier without tilting your head too much

Mental Preparation

Understanding what to expect emotionally is just as important as physical preparation:

• Your eyes will be swollen and bruised immediately after surgery. This is completely normal and temporary.
• You may experience blurry vision or light sensitivity for the first few days - this resolves as swelling decreases.
• It's common to feel anxious about how you'll look during early recovery. Remember, the worst swelling peaks at 48 hours and then improves rapidly.
• Taking regular photos from the same angles can help you track your progress when day-to-day changes seem imperceptible.
• Final results take 3-6 months to fully develop, but you'll see dramatic improvements within the first 2-3 weeks.