after blepharoplasty

Like any surgery, eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, requires a certain level of downtime to aid in healing. Although the surgery is focused on the eye area, excessive movement of any form could potentially hinder the recovery process.

To ensure the best outcome of your blepharoplasty, it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon. This includes knowing when you can get back into exercise.

The importance of easing yourself back into exercise

During blepharoplasty, surplus skin is removed to address drooping eyelids and minimise the appearance of bags under the eyes. The incisions are then sealed with sutures in a region where the skin is fragile and thin. For a time after the procedure, the area may be bruised, swollen, and inflamed.

Intense motion, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise can result in increased inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. These factors not only prolong the recovery period but can also cause bruising and scarring. Sutures are generally taken out around 6-7 days post-surgery, when the incisions are most susceptible. If you exercise too soon, the incisions may break open, requiring additional corrective surgery.

Following eyelid surgery, it is crucial to allow your body sufficient time to recuperate before resuming activities such as swimming, yoga inversions, or engaging in moderate to high-intensity exercises.

How long should I wait before I exercise?

Individual healing rates vary, and the duration of your recovery will be influenced by factors such as your pre-surgery fitness level, genetic makeup, the type of blepharoplasty procedure performed (upper, lower, or both), and how closely you follow postoperative guidelines.

In the first three days following a blepharoplasty procedure, your eyes will be swollen and sensitive. During this phase, gentle movement is advised to promote blood flow and facilitate healing. However, excessive motion can be harmful.

By the two-week mark, most patients can gradually reintroduce daily exercise routines. After three weeks, you can start to gradually increase the duration or intensity of your workouts, remembering to take breaks and slow down or stop if you experience any discomfort.

After a month, you can typically incorporate yoga inversions, weightlifting at 60-80% capacity, and medium-impact exercises. Between six to eight weeks after the procedure, most patients find they can return to their pre-surgery fitness regimens.

Exercises to avoid after blepharoplasty

There are certain types of exercises you’ll want to avoid for a set amount of time after a blepharoplasty procedure. For example, swimming should be postponed until your incisions have completely healed.

Steer clear of road cycling too until you are fully recovered, as controlling the intensity can be challenging and may raise the risk of injury. Instead, consider stationary cycling after two weeks, while maintaining low to moderate effort.

Refrain from moderate to heavy lifting until at least four weeks following your eyelid surgery. When resuming lifting, choose lighter weights and prevent straining.

Although zero-impact cardio can be resumed two weeks post-blepharoplasty, it is recommended to avoid strenuous or low to moderate-impact cardio until after 3-4 weeks. Start slowly and incrementally increase intensity over time.

While yoga and Pilates are often perceived as gentle exercises, they may involve strengthening movements that cause strain within the body. Both practices also include postures that position the head below the heart, which should be avoided for at least one month after the surgery.

These are some of the main guidelines to follow when it comes to exercising after blepharoplasty. However, it’s important to follow the specific guidelines given to you by Mr Horlock after the procedure.