What does recovery after eyelid surgery look like? January 25, 2023 Following a blepharoplasty Houston patients often experience swelling and bruising around the eyes for the first seven to 10 days after their eyelid surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. In addition to icing consistently for the first 48 hours following your procedure, Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks and their team will ask that you keep your head elevated when laying down for the first week following your blepharoplasty. Patients are typically cleared to return to work and regular daily activities about one to two weeks following their eyelid surgery. While you will be able to see some results of your blepharoplasty after a few weeks, ultimate results will appear once all incisions are healed and swelling subsides.