Recovery after orbital fat grafting is, generally, no more difficult or prolonged than that following first-time cosmetic blepharoplasty. Discomfort is usually mild, and swelling and bruising are similar to that following blepharoplasty.

• The remainder of the day of surgery should be spent in bed with head elevated on several pillows. Cold compresses should be applied as much as possible until bedtime.

• No bandages are applied over the eyes. In some cases, vision may seem slightly blurry during the first week or so. Slight blood-tinged discharge is common for several days.

• Several postoperative medications are used both to promote comfort and discourage infection (these are provided to our patients after surgery).

• Most normal activity (no bending or straining) may be resumed on the day following the operation, and a relaxed outdoor walk is acceptable. Vigorous physical activity and exercise should be curtailed for two to three weeks. Driving may be resumed within several days if vision has returned to normal.

• Sutures from the eyelids and donor site are typically removed on the fourth day after surgery, after which time it is safe to travel by air.

• At first, the eyes can look overly puffy due to surgical swelling. As with blepharoplasty, most such swelling disappears in 10-14 days, while the last 10-20% resolves more slowly over several months.

• With upper orbital fat grafting, it may be difficult to open the eyes fully during the first two weeks. In some patients, slight droopiness may be noticeable for a matter of months.

• Contact lens wear may be resumed in 1-2 weeks.

• Most people feel comfortable returning to work in about ten days.

• For patients residing far away, long-term follow-up can generally be accomplished via phone and online communication with digital photos.

• With respect to final volume, most patients have advised us that they reach an essentially stable state by two months or sooner, after which time volume change is uncommon.

Note: These guidelines are for general reference only. Specific
instructions are individualized and provided at the time of treatment.

Healing After Blepharoplasty: A Directory of Site Resources