Upper Eyelid Surgery Recovery
What to expect after upper eyelid surgery: swelling, bruising, stitches, when you can return to work and travel, and the recovery cost in Colombia.
What recovery looks like
Upper eyelid surgery is one of the lighter facial procedures. The lids swell and bruise for about a week, and the stitches come out fast. Most people are back at work in a week and look normal enough for photos in two.
The timeline
Days 1 to 3
Rest with your head elevated and apply cold compresses over the eyes. The lids feel tight and a little sore. Use the eye drops and ointment you are given. Reading and screens are fine in short bursts.
Days 4 to 7
Swelling starts to drop. Stitches come out around day seven. The scar sits in the natural crease and already looks like a thin line.
Week 2
Bruising is mostly gone or easy to cover. Most people return to work and can fly home around day seven to ten.
Weeks 3 to 4
You can ease back into light exercise. The crease keeps settling and a little tightness is normal.
Months 3 to 6
The final lid position and smooth crease settle as the last swelling clears.
What helps recovery
- Cold compresses for the first 48 hours
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid straining, bending, and heavy lifting for the first week
- Skip alcohol and smoking while you heal
- Stay out of the sun and use sunscreen once the incisions close
Cost and how long to stay
An upper blepharoplasty in Medellín costs between $1,200 and $2,000, compared to $4,000 to $6,000 in the United States. Plan for seven to ten days in Medellín, which covers surgery, stitch removal, and a check before you fly.
Related pages
Next steps
Send three photos from the front and one from each side, plus one close photo with your eyes relaxed. We will tell you whether upper lids alone are enough or whether the brow is part of the problem.
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