Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Post-Operative Guidelines

Instructions

• Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Follow a balanced diet.
• Take any antibiotics as instructed. It helps to eat cultured yogurt or over the counter Acidophilus tablets while on antibiotics to minimize intestinal side effects.
• You may be prescribed steroid tablets to minimize post op swelling. If so, take them as instructed on the packet. Note that steroids can make you feel anxious; this is a common side effect.
• Dr. Khosh may instruct you to take the herbal supplement Arnica-Montana. This is intended to minimize bruising.
• Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
• Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
• Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
• Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 2 weeks.
• If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
• Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.

What To Expect

• Occasionally, the eyes are bandaged for the first night.v
• Maximum discomfort should occur in the first few days, improving each day thereafter.
• Expect temporary swelling of the eyelids, tightness of lids, bruising, dryness, burning, and itching of eyes.
• You may have gummy eyes for approximately 1 week.
• For the first few weeks, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and double or blurred vision.
• You may have difficulty closing your eyes when you sleep.

Activities

• Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
• Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
• Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
• Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days; avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
• Read or watch television after 2-3 days.
• Return to work in 7-14 days.

Incision Care

• You may shower 24 hours after the end of surgery.
• Avoid exposing scars to sun for 6 months.
• Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
• You may be instructed to apply prescription ointment to the incisions. Follow those instructions.
• Keep steri-strips on; replace if they come off.
• Keep incisions clean with soap and water and inspect daily for signs of infection.
• Use cold compresses first 72 hours for comfort and to reduce swelling and bruising. Frozen peas in a Ziplock bag work very well for this purpose.
• Keep your head elevated for several days; sleep with your head on 2 pillows at least 1 week.
• Generally, your hair can be shampooed anytime after surgery.
• Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses.
• You will have sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks, so wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids.

Appearance

• Bruising and swelling of the eyelids may last 1-2 weeks.
• Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for 6 months or more.
• Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out; can be easily removed by surgeon.
• Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.

Follow-Up Care

• Sutures will usually be removed in 5-7 days.

When To Call

• If you have severe pain in the eye, especially if it’s one side pain.
• If you have increased swelling or bruising.
• If swelling and redness persist after a few days.
• If you have increased redness along the incision.
• If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
• If you have an oral temperature over 100.4 degrees.
• If you have any yellowish or greenish drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
• If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
• If you have loss of feeling or motion.
• If you have any concerns or questions you may reach Dr. Khosh at 212-339-9988.