---
title: DCR surgery recovery timeline
description: "External DCR tear duct surgery usually reduces watering but recovery takes several weeks. Knowing the expected timeline helps you plan work family life and travel. ## What happens after surgery A small incision beside the nose heals while the new…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/recovery-aftercare/dcr-surgery-recovery-timeline/"
updated: "2025-12-15"
category: "Recovery & Aftercare"
---

# DCR surgery recovery timeline

External DCR tear duct surgery usually reduces watering but recovery takes several weeks. Knowing the expected timeline helps you plan work family life and travel.

## What happens after surgery

A small incision beside the nose heals while the new tear drainage passage settles. A soft silicone stent often stays in place to keep the channel open.

Bruising and swelling around the eye and nose are common early on. These changes usually improve steadily.

## First days and weeks

The first week often brings tenderness and stuffiness around the nose. Pain is usually manageable with simple tablets.

- Bruising around the inner eye corner lasting up to two weeks
- Mild bloody discharge from the nose during the first few days
- Watering that gradually improves as swelling settles
- Stitches near the nose removed according to the plan

## Longer term recovery

Most pe