Two Easy But Often Overlooked Measures to Help Swelling Disappear

1. Limit Your Salt Intake

While most health-conscious people go easy on the salt, eating more prepared foods and "take-out" (which are loaded with salt) may seem more convenient after surgery than cooking up your own daily fare. A little salt on your meals is fine, but anything more may lead to fluid retention. When your body retains fluid, areas of inflammation (like eyelids healing from an operation) are common targets for extra swelling. Young people, notorious consumers of fast food, are the biggest offenders.

2. Resume Exercise Gradually and in Moderation

During the first week after surgery, it's easy to turn yourself into a couch-potato watching movie after movie (remember, skip the chips). If you're normally more active, this routine grows old quickly and you'll find yourself yearning to get back to the gym. When you finally do, take it easy. Vigorous aerobics and heavy straining can all increase swelling in the inflamed soft tissues of the eyelids and orbit. It's okay to give your body a break before training for your next triathlon.