What You Should Know Before Getting Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most requested facial procedures worldwide. Whether you’re addressing sagging lids that impair vision or simply want a refreshed appearance, this surgery is both cosmetic and functional. Before scheduling your consultation, here’s what you need to know about recovery, swelling, bruising, scar care, and long-term results.

Blepharoplasty helps correct:

• Sagging or loose eyelid skin (sometimes blocking vision)

• Puffy eyelids caused by fat deposits

• Persistent undereye “bags”

• Drooping lower lids that expose the sclera (white of the eye)

• Fine wrinkles and excess skin

The procedure offers a transformative way to restore youthfulness around the eyes when skincare products and injectables fall short.

Preparation ensures a smoother outcome:

• Medical evaluation and lab work are typically required.

• Medication adjustment: Some drugs (aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements) increase bleeding risk and may need to be paused under medical supervision.

• Quit smoking: Tobacco reduces circulation and impairs healing.

• Arrange care: Have someone drive you home and stay with you the first night.

Every patient should expect some swelling and bruising after eyelid surgery:

• A clinical study found bruising and hematoma occurred in 25% of patients when sharp needles were used, compared with none when blunt instruments were applied¹.

• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, swelling and bruising usually last 10–14 days, fading gradually thereafter².

• A 2023 study in Scientific Reports found that techniques such as fibrin glue application can significantly reduce **post-operative swelling and ecchymosis (bruising)**³.

During this period, most surgeons recommend:

• Cold compresses for the first 48 hours

• Sleeping with the head elevated

• Avoiding blood-thinning agents unless medically necessary

• Following prescribed medications and lubricants

Even though eyelid incisions are small and carefully placed in natural folds, scar care is essential:

• A randomized controlled trial showed silicone gel significantly improved scar pigmentation, redness, and height compared to placebo⁴.

• A systematic review concluded silicone gels and sheeting are the gold standard in post-surgical scar management⁵.

• The American Academy of Dermatology recommends silicone products for reducing scar thickness, improving flexibility, and minimizing discoloration⁶.

Silicone-based scar products are most effective when started once the incision has fully closed and your surgeon clears you.

Blepharoplasty pricing varies based on surgeon experience, facility, anesthesia, and geography. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports as of 2023 the average surgeon’s fees:

• Upper eyelids: $3,359

• Lower eyelids: $3,876

• Combined procedure: Around $7,000

Additional costs may include anesthesia and operating room fees. Insurance covers surgery only if sagging eyelids impair vision.

Prepare these questions before surgery:

• Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?

• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?

• Will I have dressings or bandages?

• When will they be removed? When are stitches taken out?

• When can I resume normal activity and exercise?

• When do I return for follow-up care?

• When can I safely start using scar treatment products?

To optimize recovery, patients often ask about products that minimize swelling, bruising, and scars:

• For scars:
  • NewGel+ UV Silicone Gel SPF-30: protects scars from UV exposure, preventing darkening.
  • NewGel+E Advanced Silicone Gel with Vitamin E: combines medical-grade silicone with antioxidant Vitamin E for scar conditioning.

• For swelling and bruising:
  • BruiseMD Recovery Products: available as supplements and gels, designed to reduce post-surgical bruising and swelling, supporting faster recovery.

Blepharoplasty is a proven way to refresh the eye area and restore confidence. Expect swelling and bruising early in recovery, but with the right care, including evidence-based scar treatments and recovery products, you can achieve smoother healing and lasting results. Silicone products like NewGel+ and recovery aids like BruiseMD provide clinically supported options for patients who want to minimize scars, swelling, and bruising after eyelid surgery.

1 Yu W, et al. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2017;19(4):339-345. PMID: 27893019

2 American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty.” Link

3 Lee K, Chang M, et al. Scientific Reports. 2023;13:12982. Link

4 Chittoria RK, et al. Indian J Plast Surg. 2013;46(1):65-71. PMID: 23776811

5 De Decker I, et al. Int Wound J. 2022. PMID: 35229691

6 American Academy of Dermatology. “Scars: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Link