Plexr eyelid treatment recovery in Brighton: what happens day by day
Plexr is a non-surgical eyelid tightening treatment (Plexr plasma) at Dr Selvi's doctor-led clinic in Brighton. Typical recovery: swelling two to three days, carbon crusts five to seven days, pinkness a few weeks, sun protection eight to twelve weeks. Upper eyelid treatment is normally £399, £299 per session during the launch promotion. Book a free consultation.
Why recovery looks the way it does
Plexr works by sublimation. A small plasma arc turns the outermost layer of skin into gas at a series of tiny points, without cutting or heating deeper tissue. Each point contracts immediately, and the skin between them tightens over the following weeks as collagen remodels. Our full Plexr guide explains the mechanism.
The visible side of that process is a grid of small brown or dark crusts, one for every treated point. They are dry, superficial and fall away on their own. Because eyelid skin is thin and loosely attached it swells easily, so the first mornings can look more dramatic than the treatment felt.
The timeline below is typical. Dr Selvi gives every patient written aftercare on the day, and that sheet takes precedence over anything here.
Day 0: the treatment day
The treatment takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes including numbing cream. Afterwards the skin looks dotted and slightly red, with a warm, tight, sunburn-like sensation for a few hours. Bring sunglasses and, if possible, arrange not to drive home.
For the rest of the day keep the area clean, dry and untouched: no water on the crusts, no make-up, no creams other than those Dr Selvi has recommended. Sleeping with the head raised on an extra pillow limits the swelling that peaks the next morning.
Days 1 to 3: swelling
Swelling is expected, usually worst on the morning of day one or two, and normally settles by day three. The eyes look puffy and the crusts darken as they dry. A clean, cool compress held gently around (not on) the treated area for a few minutes at a time is soothing; rubbing, pressing or lying face down all make swelling worse.
Many patients take these days off or work from home; in-person meetings depend on how comfortable you are being seen with visible crusts.
Days 3 to 7: the crusts
Between day five and seven the carbon crusts loosen and fall away, usually a few at a time. They must not be picked or rubbed off: a crust removed early exposes unhealed skin, the commonest cause of a lingering pink or pale mark.
Gentle cleansing with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser is usually allowed from around day two, patting rather than wiping. Contact lenses are best avoided until the crusts have gone, because inserting them stretches the lid; glasses are the sensible choice for the first week. Swimming, saunas, steam rooms and sweaty exercise should also wait until the crusts have fallen off.
Weeks 1 to 4: pinkness and make-up
Once the crusts have gone, the new skin underneath is pink and slightly shiny. This is normal and fades over a few weeks; in darker skin the area may look slightly darker rather than pink. Both settle with time and sun protection.
Make-up can usually be worn once every crust has come away on its own, typically from day seven to ten; a mineral product applied with a clean brush is gentler than heavy, long-wear formulas. Retinol, acids, scrubs and other active skincare should stay away from the area for at least four weeks.
By the end of week two most patients are back to a normal routine. The tightening is already partly visible, but it is not the final result.
Weeks 4 to 12: sun protection and the final result
Collagen remodelling continues for around three months, so week twelve is a better guide to the outcome than week two. Throughout this period the treated skin is vulnerable to ultraviolet light: SPF 50 every day, sunglasses and a hat outdoors, and no sunbeds for eight to twelve weeks, whatever the Brighton weather is doing. Sun exposure on healing eyelid skin is the main avoidable cause of patchy pigmentation.
At the follow-up review Dr Selvi assesses how much tightening has been achieved. Most patients see a very good result from one session; some need a second, occasionally a third, at least eight to twelve weeks apart, and whether that is worthwhile is decided on examination. If you are weighing Plexr against other options for the eye area, our comparison of Plexr and HIFU sets out the differences, and our guide to hooded eyelids explains when a surgical opinion is the more honest answer.
Risks, and when to call the clinic
Plexr is a well-established treatment, but it is not without risk. Less common effects include prolonged redness, temporary pigmentation change, small pale marks where crusts were disturbed and, rarely, infection or scarring. Dr Selvi discusses these at consultation and checks the area at review.
Contact the clinic on +44 7570 099947 the same day if: pain is increasing rather than easing after day two; there is spreading redness, heat or yellow discharge; blistering; crusts that bleed; any change in vision; or swelling that closes the eye and is not improving by day three. For sudden vision problems or severe pain, seek urgent help through NHS 111 or A&E rather than waiting for the clinic. For everything else, a message with a photo is usually enough for Dr Selvi to advise.
Plexr upper eyelid treatment is normally £399; during the current launch promotion it is £299 per session. Lower eyelid treatment is £349 and upper and lower combined is £649, as listed on our pricing page. The final price is confirmed at consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Plexr crusts take to fall off? Usually five to seven days. They loosen gradually and must be left to come away on their own. Picking them is the main cause of lasting marks.
How long is the swelling after Plexr eyelid treatment? Swelling is expected for the first two to three days and is usually worst on the morning after treatment. Sleeping slightly propped up and using a cool compress around the area helps.
When can I wear make-up after Plexr? Once every crust has come away naturally, typically from day seven to ten. Use a gentle mineral product and clean tools, and keep active skincare away from the area for at least four weeks.
Can I go to work after Plexr? Many patients take three to five days off or work from home. The crusts are visible for around a week and cannot be covered with make-up until they have gone.
When can I wear contact lenses again? Once the crusts have fallen off and the lids are comfortable, usually after seven days. Glasses are recommended for the first week to avoid stretching the treated skin.
Why is sun protection so important after Plexr? Newly healed skin pigments unevenly if it is exposed to UV. SPF 50 daily, sunglasses and a hat for eight to twelve weeks are part of the treatment, not an optional extra.
Who will treat me
Dr Selvi, founder and medical director, ECFMG-registered doctor with over 10 years of medical and aesthetic experience.
Book a free consultation
Every Plexr treatment starts with diagnosis before treatment: Dr Selvi examines the eyelid skin and brow position, uses a dermatoscope on any lesion, explains the recovery honestly, and only then recommends a plan. Book a free, no-obligation consultation at 57B London Road, Brighton BN1 4JE, call +44 7570 099947, or use the contact page. Read how a doctor-led clinic approaches aftercare.
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