How long does recovery take after an upper eyelid correction?

A call on day 3, stitches removed on day 6, presentable again after about ten days. Eye surgeon Dr Dulaimi explains recovery phase by phase.


At a glance

  • First week: cooling during the first three days, a call from one of our assistants on day 3, stitches removed on day 6 at the clinic; desk work after 3 days.
  • Swelling and discolouration usually subside largely within one to two weeks; many clients feel presentable again after about ten days.
  • Scar cream up to 3 months; the final result is visible after about six months; full maturation of the scar can take 12 to 18 months.

Watch the video: recovery in phases, explained by Dr Dulaimi

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What you hear in the video

How long does recovery take after an upper eyelid correction? The honest answer is that recovery happens in phases, and each phase has its own pace. We will walk you through them.

During the first three days the swelling increases, and then it subsides. This is normal. In those days you cool for fifteen minutes every hour. On day three one of our assistants calls you. After six days we remove the stitches at the clinic, and you receive a scar cream. Desk work can be resumed after three days. Physical work, healthcare and hospitality: not during the first week.

Swelling and discolouration usually subside largely within one to two weeks. Many clients feel presentable again after about ten days. Sunglasses will help you through that first week.

Sport is possible after about a week, intensive sport after about two weeks. You apply the scar cream twice a day, up to three months after the procedure. Around three months the scar may look savior: that is the active phase. The final result is visible after about six months. Full maturation of the scar can take twelve to eighteen months.

Every recovery is personal. Our recovery app guides you day by day, and if you have any questions, simply call us. Would you like to know what recovery looks like in your situation? We will discuss it during the free, no-obligation consultation.

All risks are discussed with you during the consultation.

Recovery day by day

Period What to expect
Day 0 to 3 Cooling: 15 minutes every hour. The swelling increases and then subsides. On day 3 one of our assistants calls you.
Days 4 to 7 Desk work is possible from day 3. On day 6 we remove the stitches at the clinic; you receive a scar cream. Physical work, healthcare and hospitality: not in the first week.
Week 2 Swelling and discolouration largely subordinate; many clients feel presentable again after about ten days. Sport after about a week, intensive sport after about two weeks.
Weeks 3 to 6 Scar cream twice a day. The scar settles.
Months 3 to 6 Around three months the scar may look savior: the active phase. Scar cream up to and including month 3. The final result is visible after about six months.
Months 6 to 18 Full maturation of the scar can take twelve to eighteen months.

This table follows the timeline of our recovery app, which guides you day by day after the procedure. Every recovery is personal; the periods are averages.

What you can do yourself

Cool for fifteen minutes every hour during the first three days. Keep your head slightly raised in the first days, also in bed. Avoid bending forward, heavy lifting and strenuous exercise in the first week; these put pressure on the stitches. Keep the wound dry until the stitches are out and do not rub your eyes. Sunglasses protect the wound outdoors against sun and wind. After the stitches have been removed, apply the scar cream twice a day, up to three months after the procedure.

When to contact us

Contact us immediately in case of increasing pain after the first days, increasing redness or warmth around the wound, fever, a wound that opens or a sudden change in your vision. In case of emergency we are reachable: Zwolle 038 303 55 80, Amsterdam and Rotterdam 020 2310 550.

Frequently asked questions

How long does recovery take after an upper eyelid correction?

Cooling during the first three days, a call on day 3, stitches removed on day 6 at the clinic; desk work after 3 days. Swelling and discolouration usually subside largely within one to two weeks; many clients feel presentable again after about ten days. Scar cream up to 3 months; the final result is visible after about six months; full maturation of the scar can take 12 to 18 months. Every recovery is personal; all risks are discussed with you during the consultation.

Can I go back to work immediately after eyelid surgery?

You can resume administrative work three days after the procedure. If you perform physical work or work in healthcare or the hospitality industry, we advise you not to work for the first week. During that period, avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects, as these places too much pressure on the stitches and can delay healing.

When can I exercise again after eyelid surgery?

Exercising after eyelid correction is possible approximately one week after the treatment. You will most likely be able to tell when this is appropriate yourself. Intensive exercise is possible after about two weeks. Please keep in mind that starting to exercise too soon can also have an adverse effect on the recovery process. Swimming is allowed again after the stitches have been removed.

When can the stitches be removed?

Six days after the procedure, the stitches will be removed during the follow-up appointment at our clinic. This is included in the price.

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