Recovery Timeline: Endoscopic Sunken Eyes Correction

Before diving into the recovery details, you may want to review:

• [Full Procedure Overview](/procedures/endoscopic-sunken-eyes-correction/)— Complete explanation of the infratemporal fat transposition technique and what to expect during surgery
• [View Before & After Results](/procedures/endoscopic-sunken-eyes-correction/before-after-gallery/)— See how other patients have healed and what final results look like at various timeline points
• [Pricing & Investment Details](/procedures/endoscopic-sunken-eyes-correction/cost-pricing/)— Understand total investment and what’s included in your procedure

What to Expect

The first 72 hours are the most challenging. You’ll experience swelling and bruising around the eyes and temples, which peaks on days 2-3. The degree of swelling varies by individual and depends on surgical technique, but the endoscopic approach minimizes tissue trauma compared to open incisions.

Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and well-controlled with prescribed pain medication. Many patients describe the sensation as a dull ache or tightness rather than sharp pain. Numbness around the incision sites and the upper eyelid is normal—this gradually resolves over weeks to months.

Activity & Care

• Rest with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to minimize swelling
• Apply ice packs to the eye area for 15 minutes every 2 hours during the first 48 hours
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed
• Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending at the waist
• Do not wash your face; gently cleanse around incisions only as directed
• Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs (unless otherwise instructed), as these increase bleeding and bruising
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce morning puffiness

Incision Care

Your hairline incisions will be covered with antibiotic ointment and possibly small bandages. Keep these clean and dry. You may gently dab the area with a clean cloth, but avoid soaking or submerging the incisions.

What to Expect

Swelling begins to decrease noticeably by day 4-5, though some puffiness remains. Bruising darkens before it fades—don’t be alarmed by darker discoloration around days 3-5; this is a normal part of healing. The bruising gradually shifts from purple to green to yellow over the coming weeks.

The numbness persists but may feel less pronounced. Some patients experience mild itching at the incision sites as the skin begins to heal—this is normal.

You may notice the upper eyelid appearing fuller as the transposed fat begins to settle. Initial results are visible but not final, as some swelling masks the true contour.

Activity & Care

• Continue elevating your head while sleeping
• You may now use cool (not ice) compresses
• Gentle light activity is acceptable—short walks are fine
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and contact sports
• Be gentle when washing your face; avoid the incisions
• You may wear loose, comfortable clothing and light makeup around day 5-7 (ask Dr. Askeroglu’s team for guidance on makeup timing)
• Continue taking prescribed medications
• Attend your first post-operative appointment (typically scheduled for day 3-5)

What Not to Do

• Do not smoke or use nicotine products—these severely compromise healing
• Do not expose incisions to direct sunlight
• Do not engage in activity that raises your heart rate significantly
• Do not sleep flat on your back if possible; maintain head elevation

What to Expect

By the end of week 2, you’re significantly closer to your normal appearance. Swelling has diminished by 60-70%, and bruising has begun to lighten considerably. Most patients can return to light social activities and work by this point, though some residual puffiness may remain visible.

The transposed fat continues to settle into the upper eyelid, and you can now begin to appreciate the volume restoration. The eyelid contour is becoming smoother and more refined, though the final shape will continue to evolve as swelling resolves.

Many patients feel psychologically ready to resume some normalcy during week 2—this marks an important emotional turning point in the recovery journey.

Activity & Care

• Light activity is permitted; return to non-strenuous work if desired
• Continue elevating your head when sleeping
• You may resume gentle facial cleansing and light skincare routines
• Hair can be washed (avoid direct spray on incisions; dab gently)
• Light makeup is acceptable to camouflage residual bruising
• Continue avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
• No swimming or immersion of incisions in water
• Attend your second post-operative appointment if scheduled

What to Expect

Most of the visible swelling has resolved by week 3-4. Residual puffiness may persist around the upper eyelid and temple, but it’s minimal compared to the first two weeks. Bruising has faded considerably—light makeup can easily conceal any remaining discoloration.

The transposed fat has largely settled into its new position, and the true contour of the correction becomes apparent. You’ll notice a smooth, natural restoration of upper eyelid volume. The hollow that once made you appear tired is now filled with gentle, youthful contour.

Sensation gradually returns to the incision sites and surrounding areas. Some patients still experience mild numbness, which is completely normal—full sensation can take 2-4 months to return completely.

Activity & Care

• Return to normal daily activities and work
• Gentle exercise can resume (walking, light yoga)
• Continue avoiding high-impact exercise and heavy lifting
• No contact sports or activities with impact risk
• Hair can be styled normally; if having hairline work, avoid tight hairstyles that pull on incisions
• Normal facial cleansing and skincare routines are fine
• Sunscreen is essential—protect incisions from sun exposure
• Attend your 4-week post-operative appointment for Dr. Askeroglu’s assessment

What to Expect

By 6-8 weeks, approximately 80-90% of swelling has resolved. Any remaining puffiness is subtle and typically only noticeable to you; most observers see your final or near-final result. The upper eyelid contour is smooth and natural, the hollow is completely filled, and your eyes appear open, refreshed, and youthful.

The transposed fat has integrated into the surrounding tissue. The fat pad is now fully vascularized and becoming a permanent part of your anatomy. This is the critical stabilization phase—the tissue is anchoring itself and won’t experience the resorption that occurs with injected fat.

Fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area have softened significantly due to the volume restoration and, if combined with Bella Eyes®, the lift component. Your expression naturally appears more refreshed.

Activity & Care

• Return to all normal activities, including regular exercise
• Strength training and contact sports are now permitted
• Swimming and water activities are safe
• Normal facial cleansing and full skincare routines
• Makeup application is back to normal
• Continue using sunscreen on your face and around incisions
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure to minimize pigmentation changes around incisions
• Most patients feel they look completely “normal” by this point

What to Expect

At the 3-month mark, your results are essentially final. Any residual swelling is imperceptible. The upper eyelid contour is smooth, natural, and proportional to your face. The volume restoration is complete and beautifully integrated. Fine lines that were visible before surgery have softened due to the volume restoration alone.

Incisions have fully healed and are barely visible—the hairline location ensures they blend seamlessly with your hair. Any residual redness has faded significantly; any remaining redness will continue to fade over the next several months.

Sensation has largely returned to normal, though some patients experience mild, occasional numbness in the upper eyelid or temple—this typically resolves completely by 6 months.

The transposed fat has completed its vascularization and integration. The tissue is now a permanent, stable part of your eye anatomy. You will not experience the volume loss that occurs with fillers or traditional fat grafting. Your results will remain consistent year after year.

What You’re Doing Now

• Enjoying your full, normal life without restriction
• Performing your regular facial skincare and makeup routines
• Exercising, swimming, and engaging in all physical activities
• No special precautions or limitations
• Your appearance is refreshed, youthful, and authentically yours

What to Expect

Between months 3-6, the final subtle refinements occur as any minute residual swelling completely resolves and incision redness fully fades. If you’ve had Bella Eyes® or Trinity Lift combined with the fat transposition, the overall facial lift component continues its subtle integration and refinement during this period.

This is when you’ll truly appreciate the comprehensive results of your combined procedure. The hollowed, tired upper eyelids of the past are a distant memory. Your eyes are open, bright, and youthful. Your overall facial proportions are harmonious and balanced.

The infratemporal fat transposition is a permanent procedure. Unlike injectable fillers that gradually break down over 6-12 months, or traditional fat grafting that experiences significant resorption, the living, vascularized fat you’ve had transposed remains as part of your anatomy indefinitely.

You will not require touch-ups, repeat treatments, or maintenance procedures. The volume you’ve gained will persist for years and decades. This makes the procedure not just a cosmetic investment, but a permanent enhancement to your natural appearance.

As you age naturally, your entire face will age proportionally—but the volume restoration and rejuvenation you’ve achieved will mean you continue to look refreshed and youthful compared to peers who haven’t had the procedure.

Follow Dr. Askeroglu’s Instructions Carefully
Every patient heals slightly differently. Your specific post-operative instructions are tailored to your surgery and anatomy. Follow them precisely for optimal results and smooth healing.

Avoid Smoking
Smoking severely compromises circulation and healing. If you smoke, it’s critical to quit before and remain smoke-free for at least 2-4 weeks post-operatively—longer is better.

Protect Your Incisions
Keep hairline incisions clean, dry, and protected from direct sunlight during the healing phase. Once fully healed, regular sun protection is essential to minimize long-term pigmentation changes.

Patience Yields the Best Results
While you’ll see dramatic improvement in the first weeks, the absolute best results emerge over 2-3 months as all swelling resolves and the transposed tissue fully integrates. Resist the temptation to judge your result too early.

Contact Your Team
If you experience unusual swelling, significant pain, signs of infection, or any concerning symptoms, contact Dr. Askeroglu’s office immediately. Prompt communication ensures any issues are addressed quickly.