How long does blepharoplasty recovery take?
About two weeks before most people return to work, and several months for scars to fully settle. That is the NHS timeline: two weeks off work depending on your job, no driving for several days, suture strips removed up to a week later, bruising fading over several weeks and scars that may feel tight for a few months. This recovery guide is part of our UK blepharoplasty guide.
Your own surgeon’s instructions come first. They know what was done and how you are healing.
What happens on the day?
Most people go home the same day. You will need someone to take you home, especially after sedation or general anaesthetic. Some hospital pathways differ: one Manchester practice lists a one-night stay for its general-anaesthetic surgery.
Recovery timeline
| When | What to expect | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First 2–3 days | Swelling at its worst. Keep your head propped up and use cold packs. | NHS |
| First few days | No driving. Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, smoking and contact lenses. | NHS |
| Up to 1 week | Suture strips removed. | NHS |
| About 2 weeks | Most people return to work, depending on their job. | NHS |
| Several weeks | Bruising and redness fade. | NHS |
| A few months | Scars may feel tight before they fade. | NHS |
| Around 6 months | Final result, per one Manchester practice. | Manchester practice |
How should I sleep after blepharoplasty?
With your head raised. The NHS advises keeping your head propped up for a couple of days to reduce swelling. Ask your surgeon how long they want you to do this.
When can I drive, exercise and wear make-up or contact lenses?
- Driving: not for several days, and only once your vision is clear and you can see comfortably.
- Exercise and swimming: avoid strenuous activity and swimming for a few days. One practice advises four weeks before the gym after its procedure.
- Contact lenses: avoid them at first; your surgeon will say when.
- Make-up: ask your surgeon. Keep products away from healing incisions until they say otherwise.
When should I call the clinic?
Contact your clinic straight away, or seek urgent care, if you notice worsening pain, sudden swelling, bleeding, or any change in your vision. Bleeding into the eye socket and long-term vision problems are rare but serious complications. Before surgery, make sure you know who to call out of hours, and whether follow-up appointments are included in your price. See the cost guide.
Is recovery different for upper and lower lids?
The timeline above covers both. Lower-lid and combined surgery may be done under general anaesthetic (one Birmingham clinic uses general for lower lids and local for upper), which adds anaesthetic recovery to the first day. Read more on upper and lower blepharoplasty.