When should you resume exercising after blepharoplasty?
Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.
What is blepharoplasty in cosmetic surgery?
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelids, which may involve either the upper or lower eyelids, or both.
Depending on the initial indication confirmed during the pre-operative consultation, blepharoplasty can involve different procedures:
- Upper blepharoplasty : removal of the excess skin and fat of the upper eyelids, which can weigh the eyes down and impair vision. The incision is made in the eyelid crease, so that the scar is virtually concealed, although its visibility depends on healing.
- Lower blepharoplasty : removal of the fat bags under the lower eyelids, which age the eyes and give them a puffy appearance. The incision is generally made transconjunctivally, inside the eyelid, so as to leave no visible trace. It is often recommended to combine lower blepharoplasty with micro- and nano-lipofilling, which treat hollow and coloured dark circles at the same time.
- Perform lipofilling of the hollow dark circles, by injecting autologous fat into the hollow dark circles to make up for the lost volume. At the same time, this procedure reduces the colour of the dark circles and encourages cell regeneration.
- Perform a pinch blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids, which does not involve detaching the subcutaneous tissue and preserves the nerves and the orbicularis muscle while removing excess skin.
Who can benefit from blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty may be indicated for anyone wishing to rejuvenate their eyes and rediscover a more dynamic, harmonious expression in keeping with their personality.
Blepharoplasty can be performed as soon as the first signs of skin ageing of the eyelids appear, at around 35 or 40. There is no real age limit, however, provided the patient is in good health, has realistic expectations and the surgeon confirms the indication.
The first consultation is therefore very important, so that your surgeon can assess the initial indication and the degree of skin laxity or eyelid ageing. He or she can then personalise the treatment plan and propose the technique best suited to your situation.
When can you resume sport after eyelid surgery?
You should not return to sport without the prior agreement of your surgeon. As a general rule, you should allow at least 2 or 3 weeks before resuming physical activities and sports. This period may vary, however, depending on a number of factors, such as how healing is progressing, the procedures performed during the operation, the type of sport, your level of sporting activity, and so on.
Ideally, you should resume exercise gradually, listening to your body and avoiding excessively intense or prolonged effort. You should also avoid sports that could cause trauma to the eyes (such as combat sports), rubbing or infection (swimming, skiing).
Your surgeon will advise you on how to return to sport safely, depending on how the post-operative period progresses.
It is also advisable to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind, sun and dust when exercising outdoors.
This page is for information. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is judged on examination.