EYELIDSURGERY - POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

NORMAL SYMPTOMS

q      Remember it is normal to experience soreness, bruising, swelling, tightness and some degree of pain for the first few days following surgery.  These conditions will lessen each day.  You may also experience change in skin sensation following surgery.  In most cases this improves in a few weeks after surgery, but may take longer.  In some cases, change in sensation is permanent.

q      Any abnormal eye pain or swelling should be reported to the physician immediately.  Please call us at 089-5527450.

q      Apply cold saline-soaked eye pads or Swiss Therapy eye gels every 30-45 minutes until bedtime the night of surgery.  Doing this helps to prevent swelling.

q      If you have a gel-like substance in your eye, this is due to postoperative swelling and is normal.  Do not try to remove it.  This will subside with time.

q      Do not rub your eyes.  

SLEEPING

q      Sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for several weeks after surgery.  This will help to reduce your swelling.

BATHING

q      You may take a shower 48 hours after your surgery.

q      You may wash your face, avoiding the eye area, gently with warm water and a mild soap.  Carefully pat dry.

HYGIENE

q      Clean incision lines with saline and Q-tips to keep free of scabs and crusting.  Be careful not to get the Q-tip into the eye.

q      Apply a small amount of Bacitracin Ophthalmic ointment to the suture line only on the night of surgery.

q      Keep sutures clean and dry after that.

q      Apply Lacrilube Ophthalmic Ointment to both eyes at bedtime beginning the night of the surgery.  This is to help dryness.

q      Use Tears Natural Eye Drops several times per day, starting the day after your surgery until the discomfort settles.

APPEARANCE

q      Contacts may be worn one week after surgery.

q      Wear dark sunglasses for 2-3 weeks after surgery.

q      Do not use makeup on eyelids for at least one week after surgery.

ACTIVITY

q      DO NOT exercise, vacuum, or do any heavy lifting until your doctor gives you permission.  Let the degree of discomfort be your guide.  Jogging, aerobics, sleeping on your stomach, swimming and other such activities should be avoided until your doctor gives you permission.

DRIVING

q      Do not drive until the sutures have been removed, your blurred vision has cleared and pain medication is no longer being taken.  Someone will need to drive you to your postoperative visits.