Most patients return to normal activities this week. Swelling and bruising have largely faded, and makeup can help conceal any remaining discoloration.
What to Expect This Week
By week 2, you're likely feeling much more like yourself. The majority of visible swelling and bruising has resolved, and many patients feel confident enough to return to work and social activities. Your eyes are starting to reveal their beautiful new contours, though some residual puffiness may still be present - this is normal and will continue to improve.
Back to Life
Most patients return to work during week 2 (days 10-14). With careful makeup application, any remaining bruising or redness can be effectively concealed. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how natural you look.
Returning to Work and Social Activities
The timing of your return depends on several factors:
Your job type - desk jobs are easier to return to than physically demanding roles
Your healing speed - everyone recovers at their own pace
Your comfort level - some patients prefer to wait a bit longer before facing colleagues
Tips for Your First Week Back
Plan a gradual return if possible - half days or work from home initially can ease the transition
Take regular breaks - especially from screens to rest your eyes
Keep lubricating drops handy - office environments can be drying
Wear glasses if you normally wear contacts - wait until week 3 minimum for contact lenses
Bring sunglasses - you may still be sensitive to bright lights or wind
Makeup Application
Most surgeons clear patients for makeup around day 10-14, once the incisions are well-healed. Here's how to safely apply makeup during recovery:
Best Practices for Eye Makeup
Wait until you're cleared by your surgeon - typically around day 10-14
Use new or freshly cleaned brushes - avoid introducing bacteria to healing skin
Apply gently - no tugging or pulling on the eyelid skin
Avoid waterproof products initially - they require aggressive removal which can stress the incisions
Start with mineral-based makeup - often less irritating to healing skin
Remove makeup gently - use a mild, oil-free cleanser or micellar water
Concealing Residual Bruising
If you have some remaining yellow or green bruising:
Use a color-correcting primer (peach or pink tones neutralize purple/blue bruises)
Apply a creamy, full-coverage concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone
Set gently with a light dusting of translucent powder
Blend well around the edges for a natural finish
Pro Tip: Makeup Removal
Always remove eye makeup gently. Use a soft cotton pad with micellar water or gentle makeup remover, and pat - never rub or pull. Consider double cleansing (oil cleanser followed by gentle face wash) to ensure all makeup is removed without harsh scrubbing.
Swelling and Healing Progress
At this stage:
Most obvious swelling has resolved - around 60-70% of swelling is gone
Residual puffiness - you may notice slight morning puffiness, especially if you slept flat; this reduces during the day
Bruising largely faded - any remaining discoloration is easily concealed with makeup
Incision lines healing well - they may appear slightly red or pink, but will fade significantly over the coming months
Eye shape emerging - your new eyelid contours are becoming more defined and natural-looking
Activity Guidelines
You Can Now
Return to work - for most desk-based jobs
Resume social activities - dinner with friends, light shopping
Wear makeup - once cleared by your surgeon
Drive - if you feel comfortable and your vision is clear (check with your surgeon)
Light walking or gentle yoga - nothing that raises your heart rate significantly
Use contact lenses - from week 3 onwards, if comfortable
Continue to Avoid
Strenuous exercise - running, gym, weightlifting (wait until week 4-6)
Swimming - pools, ocean, hot tubs (wait until week 4-6)
Rubbing your eyes - be gentle at all times
Excessive sun exposure - wear sunglasses and SPF to protect healing scars
Alcohol in excess - can increase swelling and delay healing
Continue lubricating drops - as needed throughout the day
Gentle cleansing - morning and evening with a mild cleanser
Sunglasses outdoors - UV protection and wind protection
Avoid eye strain - take breaks from screens every 20-30 minutes
Adequate sleep - helps reduce morning puffiness and supports healing
Scar Care
Incision lines are healing beautifully at this stage. To optimize scar healing:
Keep scars out of direct sunlight - UV exposure can darken scars
Use SPF 50+ sunscreen on the area once cleared by your surgeon
Consider silicone gel or sheets - your surgeon may recommend these from week 3-4 onwards
Avoid harsh products - retinols, acids, or exfoliants near the incisions for several more weeks
Be patient - scars continue to fade and soften for up to a year
Looking Great Already
By week 2, most patients are thrilled with their results. Your eyes look brighter, more youthful, and refreshed. While subtle refinements will continue over the coming months, the transformation is already clear. Enjoy this exciting phase of your recovery!