Your Ptosis Recovery Guide

What's happening

A stretched muscle was tightened.

The muscle that lifts your upper eyelid (the levator) had stretched or detached over time, causing the droop. We re-anchored and shortened it through a small incision hidden in the natural crease of your lid.

The stitches may dissolve on their own or be removed at your follow-up. As swelling goes down, the final lid position becomes clear — usually by 2-3 months.

What helps

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Day 1-2

Ice + rest

Frequent cold compresses. Sleep with head elevated (2 pillows). Prescribed antibiotic ointment on the incision. Arnica or bromelain may help bruising.

Days 3-7

Stitches out

Come in for a follow-up. If non-dissolving, stitches come out. Swelling decreases noticeably.

Week 2-4

Social resume

Most visible bruising gone. Most activities fine. Continue gentle skincare around the eye.

Month 2-3

Final result

Swelling fully resolved. Lid height stable. This is your result.

Call us if

Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication, significant decrease in vision, yellow/green discharge from the incision, or sudden increase in swelling or redness. Some bruising and mild tenderness for the first week are expected.

Common questions

Honest answers to common questions.

How bad will the bruising be?+

Expect noticeable bruising and swelling, especially the first 2-3 days. By day 7, most visible bruising has faded or can be concealed with makeup. Peak swelling is day 2-3.

Can I use ice? Heat?+

Ice for the first 48 hours (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, several times a day). After that, switch to warm compresses to help residual swelling and bruising clear.

When can I go back to work?+

Desk work: 5-7 days (when bruising is manageable). Public-facing work: plan 10-14 days. Heavy physical work: 2 weeks minimum.

Will my lids look even?+

Some asymmetry is normal for the first weeks while swelling resolves. Final result is at 2-3 months. A small percentage of patients need a minor revision to fine-tune — we'll discuss at your 3-month visit.

Can I wear glasses?+

Yes — the frames won't harm the incision. Avoid pressing the frame onto the lid the first few days.

Can I wear contact lenses?+

Wait 1-2 weeks so the lid motion doesn't disturb healing. We'll give you the green light at your follow-up.

Eye makeup?+

No eye makeup for 2 weeks. After that, start with fresh products and apply gently. Avoid mascara on lower lashes first.

Lids up, looking better.

A stretched muscle was tightened.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.

Ice + rest

Stitches out

Social resume

Final result

Call us if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Lids up, looking better.

A stretched muscle was tightened.

Here's the plan —and why it works.

Ice + rest

Stitches out

Social resume

Final result

Call us if

Honest answers to common questions.

We're here when you need us.

Here's the plan —
and why it works.