ASK DOCTOR YAGODA

Karen B asks:  I am 49 years old and thinking about eyelift surgery, but none of my friends have had it yet and I am afraid. Can you tell me how much pain I should expect and how much time off I will need?  Also, can I combine my surgery with my beach vacation during the recovery period?

Answer:   Good news, Karen…eyelift surgery for droopy upper lids is one of the easiest cosmetic surgeries to recover from because it is virtually painless!  Numbness from surgery lasts long after the anesthetic wears off.  In fact, it takes about three weeks for the skin’s sensory nerves to regain feeling.   So, aside from eyelid heaviness (from swelling), you shouldn’t be at all uncomfortable. But, even though you may feel great, and even though you may be raring to go, you have just had surgery.  You need to take some time off to heal — five-to-seven days to be exact.  During this time, you can shop, dine, and walk to your heart’s content, albeit with some restrictions.  No carrying a heavy purse while shopping, and no lifting purchases weighing more than ten pounds.  You can choose any food on the menu, but no alcohol!  And, you can walk for as far and as long as you desire, but no matter how great you feel, you shouldn’t gather your swimsuit or boarding pass.  No flying because changes in air pressure can cause bleeding and delay healing, and no beach because the sun can permanently darken the incision line.

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