Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Pre & Post-Operative Instructions
Pre-Operative Instructions
- •Please advise the doctor if you are taking any blood thinning medication (e.g. Warfarin, Disprin, Aspirin, etc.)
- •This will need to be discontinued prior to surgery as per doctor's instructions.
- •Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding complications in all forms of surgery – please ensure your blood pressure is well controlled prior to your surgical date.
- DO NOT take any of the following medications prior to surgery:
- – Anti-inflammatories (e.g. Brufen, Ibuprofen, Myprodol, Voltaren, etc.)
- – Homeopathic medications (e.g. Arnica, Rescue Remedy, St John's Wort)
- – Vitamin E (oral or topical)
- •Prepare your skin for 3 weeks before surgery with Dermalac Lotion and Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil from Environ.
- •Take a bath or shower with antibacterial soap (or Bioscrub) on the morning of your admission.
- •Do not apply any body lotion.
- •Regardless of whether you are having a general anesthetic or conscious sedation – you should not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to surgery.
- •If you are a smoker – NO SMOKING for 3 months prior to surgery.
- •Bring comfortable cotton underwear.
Post-Operative Instructions
- •You will need someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you for 1 to 2 days.
- •You will need plenty of rest.
- •Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fruit and fiber to your diet.
- •Be sure to increase your fluid intake.
- •Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
- •Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications.
- •If you are taking vitamins with iron, resume these as tolerated.
- •Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increase the risk of complications.
Activities
- •Start walking as soon as possible – this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- •Do not drive until your vision is normal.
- •Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
- •Keep activities to a minimum for 3 to 5 days. Avoid strenuous activities for 2 to 3 weeks.
- •You can return to work within 7 to 10 days.
Incision Care
- •Avoid wetting your face while showering or bathing for the first 5 days.
- •Avoid steam baths and saunas for several months.
- •Avoid exposing your scars to the sun for at least 12 months.
- •Always use sunblock – regardless of the weather – if you plan to go outdoors or not.
- DO NOT USE ANY CREAMS CONTAINING VITAMIN E TO TREAT THE INCISION AREAS FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS.
- •Keep Steri-Strips on (until the doctor says they are no longer necessary).
- •Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
- •Do not cut any stitches shorter.
- •Use Tears Naturale eye drops during daytime whenever your eyes feel dry or scratchy.
- •Use DuraTears ointment before going to sleep to keep your eyes moist.
- •Keep your head elevated – sleep with it propped up.
- •Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses.
- •You may use cold compresses for comfort and to help decrease the swelling.
- •You may follow your usual skincare routine – taking care to avoid applying any creams containing Vitamin E in the incision areas. Continue using eye gel or creams once the sutures are removed.
- •Wear sunglasses as you will have a sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks.
What To Expect
- •Occasionally, the eyes have to be bandaged for the first night.
- •Maximum discomfort should occur in the first 48 hours, improving each day thereafter.
- •Expect temporary swelling of the eyelids, tightness of the lids, bruising, dryness, burning and itching of the eyes.
- •You may have a minor discharge in the corner of your 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.
Appearance
- •Bruising and swelling of your eyelids may last 1 to 2 weeks.
- •Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for 3 months or more.
- •Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out. These can be easily removed by your surgeon at your follow-up appointment.
Follow Up Care
- •All sutures will be removed at your post-operative visit (usually 4 days postoperatively).
- •The remainder of the stitches will dissolve in 6 to 8 weeks.
- •An eye cream or gel can be obtained from the practice to assist in the healing process.
When To Call
- •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 severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- •If you have any side effects to medications, such as rash, nausea, headache, and vomiting.
- •If you have an oral temperature over 37°C.
- •If you have any drainage from the incisions or notice a foul odor.
- •If you have bleeding from the incisions that does not stop with light pressure.
Emergency Contact
078 867 61372
