Following cosmetic surgery you will experience swelling, tightness and bruising around the eyes to varying degrees. Generally speaking there is usually more swelling and bruising with lower eyelid surgery than with upper eyelid surgery. There is frequently slight leakage of blood from the incisions, and your eyes may be gummy for a week or so, all of which can add up to a disturbing and scary postoperative picture. Furthermore the eyes will probably look uneven and even over pulled in the corners. This is normal as there are internal stitches causing this in an attempt to support the eyelids through the swelling and bruising. Do not be alarmed. This always settles, however it may take a few weeks after cosmetic surgery before it is completely resolved. The eyelids should be gently splashed with water and not rubbed in any way. The majority of the swelling usually subsides after the first 10 days postoperatively. Bruising however may persist for a longer period, even up to one month in some cases. Elevation of the head, avoidance of any stooping and the use of cold compresses reduce the swelling and bruising.