How long does swelling last after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Swelling is usually most noticeable in the first 48 hours, often peaks around days 3 to 5, then improves gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. A small amount of residual swelling can linger longer, especially in the lower lids. Staying consistent with cold compresses early on, head elevation, and activity limits helps swelling settle more predictably.

When can I wear eye makeup after eyelid surgery?

We generally recommend avoiding eye makeup for at least 7 to 10 days, and longer if we have not cleared you. Makeup can irritate incisions and increase the risk of inflammation while tissues are still sealing and settling.

Can I fly or travel by car long-distance after blepharoplasty?

Local car rides are usually fine once you are cleared. For flying or long-distance travel, we typically recommend waiting until your early follow-up so we can confirm healing is on track and you have a plan for dryness and swelling. Ask us before you book flights or long trips.

When can I return to work and public commuting after eyelid surgery?

Many people can return to desk work in about 7 to 10 days, depending on swelling and bruising. If you use public commuting, plan for a slower pace and avoid heavy bags and rushing during the first week. If your job is physical, you may need more time before returning.

What signs after blepharoplasty mean I should call my surgeon?

Call us urgently for severe or increasing pain, sudden vision changes, heavy bleeding, rapidly expanding swelling, fever, pus-like drainage, or redness that is spreading and hot. If something feels unusual or concerning, it is always appropriate to reach out so we can guide you.

What is lower eyelid surgery, and does aftercare differ?

Lower eyelid surgery focuses on concerns like under-eye puffiness or laxity in the lower lid area. Aftercare is similar in the first two weeks, with cold compresses early on, head elevation, dryness management with preservative-free tears, and careful activity limits. Lower lids can stay swollen a bit longer, so protecting the area from wind and sun is especially important.

What is an upper eyelid operation, and what should I expect in week one?

An upper eyelid operation addresses excess upper lid skin that can make the eyes look tired or feel heavy. In week one, swelling and bruising are expected, often peaking around days 3 to 5, then improving. Avoid bending, heavy lifting, eye makeup, and contact lenses until you are cleared, and keep your routine gentle and consistent.

What does blepharoplasty cost in San Francisco?

Blepharoplasty cost depends on whether we are addressing upper lids, lower lids, or both, and what your surgical plan requires. One patient reported being satisfied with a $4, 500 cost for an upper eyelid procedure, but pricing varies. We will confirm your exact cost during your consultation after we review your goals and anatomy.

What is double blepharoplasty?

Double blepharoplasty typically refers to addressing both upper and lower eyelids in a single surgical plan. Aftercare focuses on strict swelling control in the first 48 hours, careful cleansing and incision care in week one, dryness management, and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks so both areas heal smoothly.

Blepharoplasty: Care for the First 14 Days

By Shahin Javaheri, MD - Plastic Surgeon San Francisco | October 11, 2026

Lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco | +14159233800 | audi@sfplasticsurgeon.com

Blepharoplasty aftercare timeline for the first 14 days in San Francisco

Our team is known for being professional, kind, and welcoming, and that same steady support matters most right after surgery. The single most important blepharoplasty rule for the first 48 hours is simple: keep swelling down with cold compresses (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off), head elevation, and no bending or straining. Expect bruising and swelling that improves gradually over 1 to 2 weeks, and call us right away for severe pain, vision changes, heavy bleeding, or fever.

First 24 to 48 hours after eyelid surgery: cold compresses and calm days

The first two days set the tone. You do not need to “push through.” You need quiet time, a predictable routine, and a setup that keeps your head up and your eyelids cool.

Your 48-hour checklist: cold compresses 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while awake, rest with your head elevated, take your medications as prescribed, and avoid bending, heavy lifting, and anything that spikes blood pressure.

Cold therapy done right

We generally recommend gentle cold compresses right away. Think “cooling, ” not “freezing.” Wrap your cold pack so it is never directly against the skin. Light pressure only. If you are recovering in San Francisco, the mild climate helps, but cool evenings and wind can still make your eyes water and feel irritated. Keep sunglasses handy for any quick trips outside.

Head elevation and no straining

Sleep on your back with your head elevated on extra pillows or a wedge. Avoid bending at the waist to pick things up. Do not lift heavy items. Skip inverted yoga. These are the habits that tend to prolong swelling and bruising after an upper eyelid operation or lower eyelid surgery.

If you are commuting in from Daly City, South San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Sausalito, or Colma, plan to have someone drive you and keep your schedule light. Our office in Lower Pacific Heights is easy to reach for follow-ups, even if you are coming through Van Ness or Geary.

Days 3 to 7: when bruising peaks and your routine matters most

Days 3 to 5 are often the “why do I look worse today?” phase. That is normal. Bruising tends to peak, then slowly fades. This is also when people get tempted to do too much. Do not.

Warm compresses only if we tell you to switch

Many surgeons advise a switch to warm compresses after the first couple of days, but timing varies. Follow the instructions we give you. Warmth can help bruising move along, but too much heat too soon can increase swelling.

Keep the incision clean, and keep your hands off

Gentle cleansing is usually fine when we clear you for it. Pat, do not rub. No picking at scabs. If we prescribed ointment, use it exactly as directed. This is one of those details that separates a smooth recovery from a needlessly irritated incision.

Makeup, contacts, workouts: the short version

Eye makeup: avoid for at least 7 to 10 days, and longer if we have not cleared you.
Contact lenses: avoid for at least 7 to 10 days, or until we clear you.
Exercise: no vigorous workouts and no heavy lifting for 2 to 4 weeks. Light walking is usually fine after 48 to 72 hours if we clear you.

A quick reality check: One of our blepharoplasty patients told us, “My eyes don’t look tire anymore, ” and they also mentioned being able to read without that heavy feeling. Protecting your result in week one is how you get to that kind of refreshed, natural-looking outcome.

Products and habits that protect your blepharoplasty result (days 1 to 14)

You do not need a cabinet full of products. You need the right basics, used consistently.

Our go-to basics

Preservative-free artificial tears for dryness, which is common after lower eyelid surgery and upper eyelid operation recovery.
A clean, cold compress setup for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses only if we advise.
Sun and wind protection: sunglasses and a brimmed hat. San Francisco wind can be sneaky, especially on the way back from a Fillmore stroll.
Broad-spectrum SPF once we clear you to apply it near the area. Freshly healing skin can pigment easily.

And a note that surprises people: avoid “recovery hacks” from social media. Stick to the plan we give you, even if you have had other plastic surgery in the past, like breast augmentation, breast enhancement, a brazilian butt lift, gynecomastia surgery, or a skinlift. Eyelids heal differently than almost everything else.

When to call us after blepharoplasty (and how we handle follow-up)

A smooth recovery still comes with questions. We take those seriously. Patients regularly tell us they felt comfortable and well cared for throughout the process, and that follow-up made a real difference in their peace of mind.

“The follow-up care was excellent, he checked in and made sure everything was healing properly, which gave me a lot of peace of mind.”

one of our long-time clients

Call us urgently for these red flags

Severe or increasing pain that does not improve with prescribed medication
Sudden vision changes, worsening blurriness, or new double vision
Heavy bleeding or a rapidly expanding swelling
Fever, pus-like drainage, or spreading redness and heat

If you are recovering at home outside San Francisco, in places like Berkeley, Oakland, or South San Francisco, do not “wait and see” on something that feels off. Let us know. We will walk you through next steps and get you in quickly if needed.

Quick answers: makeup, travel, commuting, and cost questions we hear all the time

If you are a busy professional or a parent juggling schedules, you usually want one thing: a clear timeline. Here are the practical guidelines we share most often in our Lower Pacific Heights office.

Return to work and public commuting: Many people can do desk work within about 7 to 10 days, depending on swelling and bruising, but give yourself more time if your job is physical. If you commute, plan to avoid rushing, heavy bags, and long days for the first week.

Travel (flying or long car rides): Short local rides are usually fine when you are cleared. For flights or long-distance travel, we generally recommend waiting until your early follow-up, since swelling, dryness, and the need for quick access can matter. Ask us before you book anything nonrefundable.

Blepharoplasty cost: Cost depends on the surgical plan, including upper lids, lower lids, or both, and what is needed to get a natural result. One patient mentioned being very satisfied with a cost of $4, 500 for an upper eyelid procedure. We will confirm your exact pricing in your consultation.

If you are also considering other options in the same season, like microneedling nose reshaping, nose reshaping with filler, sculptra, lip filler lips, or non invasive skin tightening procedures, we will space things appropriately so your eyelids get the calm healing window they need.

You can also browse our related facial topics in our Face Procedures guide. It is a helpful overview if you are comparing timing across facial procedures.

Need a quick post-op check-in in San Francisco? We make it easy.

If something feels off, or you simply want reassurance, reach out. Patients often mention how easy it is to get follow-up support, and we take that seriously. Our Lower Pacific Heights location makes quick visits straightforward, even if you are coming in from the Financial District, Van Ness, or along Geary.

Call +14159233800 or email audi@sfplasticsurgeon.com. If you are searching “med spa near me” while planning surgery, we are happy to clarify what belongs in a med spa setting and what truly belongs in plastic surgery care.

Address: 2100 Webster Street #502, San Francisco, California 94115