Eyelid surgery: how long before make-up can be applied?
Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.
What is a blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids, or both. It can be performed for aesthetic reasons, to correct the signs of ageing around the eye, or for functional reasons, when drooping eyelids obstruct vision.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty aims to lift the upper eyelid and so open up the eyes. To achieve this, Dr Hayot removes excess skin and, where necessary, adds fat to firm an eyelid that has thinned over time.
Lower blepharoplasty, by contrast, corrects eyelids that are wrinkled, discoloured, sagging or hollow, or that have developed fatty bags. Depending on the problem, Dr Hayot will propose a tailor-made treatment to visibly rejuvenate your eyes.
Who can benefit from eyelid surgery?
Thanks to the precision of the procedure, blepharoplasty can now treat tired eyes at any age. The wide range of options available in eyelid surgery means we can offer you a tailor-made treatment to correct:
- Upper eyelids with excess skin and/or fatty deposits
- Swollen lower eyelids with fat pockets
- Wrinkles and folds around the eyes
- Hollowed and/or discoloured dark circles, in combination with microlipofilling
From the early thirties onwards, blepharoplasty can refresh tired eyes with small bags and dark circles. Microlipofilling is particularly indicated for its precision in treating minor defects.
After the age of forty, Dr Hayot focuses on the upper part of the face to restore harmony to the eyes. This involves treating drooping upper eyelids, bags forming under the eyes and dark circles that have become more pronounced. It may also include treatment of the temples and the tear trough.
After the age of 50, the priority is to treat the face as a whole. Eyelid surgery should be combined with restoring lost volume in the lower part of the face. Injections can also correct the wrinkles and furrows that form in different areas: the forehead, the nose and the contours of the mouth.
How long does it take to apply make-up after blepharoplasty?
After blepharoplasty, it is important to allow your eyelids time to recover their full function.
How long you must wait before wearing make-up again depends on the technique used.
Lower blepharoplasty is performed without external scarring, through a transconjunctival incision. The operation leaves no sutures on the skin, so you will be able to apply make-up after one or two days.
When blepharoplasty does leave a scar on the eyelid, however, you need to wait 5 to 8 days. This time allows the sutures to be absorbed or removed and your upper eyelids to heal properly. To begin with, choose products that do not irritate the skin.
Once this period has passed, you can return to the pleasure of applying make-up and fully appreciate the results of your operation.
This page is for information. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is judged on examination.