Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery Photos Day by Day: What Results to Expect

If you’re considering an upper blepharoplasty in San Jose, CA, one of the most common questions is not just how the surgery is performed, but what the recovery fully entails. Understanding the recovery process for upper blepharoplasty will help you plan your downtime, set realistic expectations, and feel confident in your decision.

An upper blepharoplasty, also referred to as an upper eyelid surgery, can correct hooded eyes and create a more rested and bright-eyed appearance by removing excess skin on your upper eyelids. During recovery, your results will be revealed gradually. It’s important to stay patient as each stage of recovery brings you closer to your cosmetic goal.

Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery Timeline

A smooth recovery begins with good preparation. Upper blepharoplasty is usually very manageable when patients understand the timeline and follow Dr. Kim’s post-operative instructions. The timeline below will give you a general idea of what to expect after your surgery.

The First 24 to 48 Hours

The first couple of hours are when patients notice the most swelling, light bruising, and tightness. It’s important to rest as much as possible, keep your head elevated, and apply cold compresses as instructed by Dr. Kim.

Vision may be slightly blurry due to ointments or eye drops, and the eyes may feel watery, dry, or mildly irritated. These discomforts are temporary; however, patients should contact Dr. Kim immediately if they experience severe pain, sudden vision changes, or other symptoms that feel unusual.

Days Three to Five

Swelling and bruising are still noticeable, but patients begin to feel more comfortable. In some cases, bruising can appear under the eyes, even when the upper eyelids were treated. This is because bruising can settle with gravity.

Week 1

During the first week, patients should still be taking it easy. Activities such as reading, screen time, and light walking may gradually be resumed. However, strenuous exercise, rubbing your eyes, and wearing contact lenses should be avoided.

If you received non-dissolvable sutures, they may be removed at this point, depending on the technique used during the blepharoplasty and your healing progress.

Additionally, incision lines can appear pink and slightly raised at first. This is a normal part of recovery. Makeup is also avoided until incisions are sufficiently healed and Dr. Kim gives you clearance.

Week 2

At this stage, swelling and bruising have significantly improved, and most patients feel comfortable being out in public, though it’s important to remember that your tissues are still healing and a complete recovery takes months.

Patients can return to desk jobs, resume social activities, or run errands. If your job is physically demanding, you may have to take off work for a longer period of time.

Weeks 3 to 4

By weeks three to four, your upper eyelids look more natural. Minor swelling may persist, but patients can gradually return to normal exercise as long as Dr. Kim approves.

Incision lines continue to mature and soften. Protecting your incisions from the sun is especially important during this recovery period, as eyelid skin is delicate and sun exposure can make scarring more noticeable.

Month 1

At this point, there’s subtle swelling, mild asymmetry, and a little redness where your incision lines are. However, patients can begin to see the shape of their results more clearly, but final results are still developing. The eyelids will continue to soften and settle over the next several weeks.

Months 2–3 and Beyond

Most lingering swelling has resolved, and incision lines have softened and continue to fade. Patients can expect more refined eyelids and to see the final results of their blepharoplasty.

Before and After Upper Blepharoplasty Photos

Recovery is not only about how your body heals after a cosmetic procedure. It’s also influenced by the surgical technique, the plastic surgeon’s precision, and attentive care. That’s why viewing before and after photos is very helpful for evaluating results, so you can feel confident in your procedure.

[View More Upper Blepharoplasty Before and After Photos]

Dr. Haena Kim is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience. She truly listens to her patients’ concerns and cosmetic goals to deliver beautiful results that sustain each patient’s identity. Her artistic eye and surgical precision are evident in her before and after photos and in her patients’ testimonials.

“Dr. Haena Kim did my upper blepharoplasty a few years ago. The procedure was very smooth, and the recovery was fast. The results are just what I wanted, perceptible but in a way that does not scream I had surgery to achieve it. Best of all, the scarring is almost non-existent. She is lovely to talk with, honest, and does not upsell. Highly recommend.” —Bronwyn Purcell-DeAbreu [Google Review]

Have More Questions About Upper Blepharoplasty in San Jose, CA?

If you want to transform droopy eyes to a refreshed, youthful appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim by calling (650) 507-3601 or filling out our online contact form today!