What's the recovery like for Lower Blepharoplasty?

Everything you need to know about Lower Blepharoplasty recovery — timeline, tips, what to avoid, and when to call your provider.

Typical downtime: 10–14 days — bruising spreads down the cheek and is heavier than people expect

Recovery timeline

Days 1–3

Significant bruising and swelling under the eyes, and the bruising can spread down onto the cheeks — heavier than most people anticipate. Cold compresses and head elevation help.

Days 4–7

Bruising shifts from dark purple to yellow-green. Swelling starts to drop and the lower lids feel tight. External sutures, if used, come out around day 5 to 7.

Days 7–14

Most people are presentable with concealer and return to light work. The lower lid position stabilizes.

Weeks 4–6

Most swelling resolves; any external scar is pink and fading.

Months 3–6

Final result fully visible as subtle residual swelling and scar maturation complete.

Things nobody tells you

Bruising spreads down onto the cheeks because gravity pulls it — heavier than most people expect.
An incision inside the lid leaves no external scar at all, which surprises people.
Dryness in the first weeks is common; lubricating drops help.

Recovery tips

Bruising spreading down the cheeks is normal and gravity-related — it fades over 2 to 3 weeks
Sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 weeks to limit swelling
Lubricating eye drops help the dryness that is common in the first weeks
Use cold compresses gently — avoid pressure directly on the lower lid
Protect any incision line from sun with SPF 50+ for at least 6 months

What to avoid

Eye makeup for at least 2 weeks
Contact lenses for 2 weeks
Strenuous exercise for 3–4 weeks
Rubbing or pressing on the lower eyelids
Reading or screen time for the first 48 hours

When to call your provider

Sudden severe pain or pressure in the eye — possible hematoma
Any vision change, including blurring or double vision
Inability to close the eye, or the lower lid pulling downward (retraction)
Signs of infection: increasing redness, warmth, discharge, or fever

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Frequently asked questions

How long does lower blepharoplasty recovery take?

Most people are presentable by day 10 to 14. Bruising and significant swelling resolve over 2 to 3 weeks, and the final result appears at 3 to 6 months.

Will I have a visible scar?

Transconjunctival lower bleph (incision inside the lid) leaves no external scar. An external-incision approach leaves a fine line just under the lash line that usually fades to near-invisible within 3 to 6 months.

Why did the bruising travel onto my cheek?

Gravity pulls the bruising downward from the lower lids onto the upper cheeks. It is normal and fades along with the rest of the bruising.

This recovery guide is general education, not medical advice, and does not replace your provider's instructions. Healing varies by person and procedure — always follow the aftercare guidance from your own licensed provider and contact them with any concerns.