Instructions for Care
After Blepharoplasty

SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS

On the Afternoon and Evening of Surgery

You should rest as much as possible. A bandage over the eyes is not necessary. In the evening, you may take a bath if someone is there to help you. Avoid straining. Watching television is acceptable.

To prevent swelling, apply clean cold compresses to the eyelids as much as possible until you go to sleep. Gauze pads or a clean towel may be soaked in a basin of ice cubes and applied directly. Alternatively, a large Ziploc bag may be partially filled with ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas may be placed over a moist gauze or towel. Commercially-available gel-filled vinyl masks may also be used.

Pain after surgery is usually mild and able to be controlled with Tylenol. Severe pain should be reported immediately.

If your stomach is not upset, you may resume your normal diet immediately.

It is normal for the eyelids to become red, swollen, and bruised. A small amount of bloody fluid draining from the wound is normal for a few days. Brisk bleeding not responsive to pressure should be reported.

If you were given an antibiotic ointment, gently apply a small amount to any stitches before going to bed, and then twice a day thereafter. If you have no stitches (lower lid surgery done through the back of the eyelid), it may not be necessary to use an ointment. (Note: Some doctors prescribe antibiotic eye drops instead of ointment.)

Beginning the Next Morning

Swelling usually reaches its maximum on the morning following surgery. Bruising may increase for several days.

Discontinue the cold and begin warm compresses for several minutes three times a day (Note: Some doctors recommend continuation of cold compresses for several days.).

Moderate activity may be resumed, although bending and straining should be avoided for at least three days. Moderate exercise (easy walking) may be resumed in about three days. Avoid vigorous exercise (jogging) for ten days or more and swimming for three weeks.

Reading or computer work may feel difficult, but such activity is not harmful to your surgery.

Keep the incisions clean by gently cleansing with moistened Q-tips or gauze. If water alone is insufficient, a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted half and half with water may be used. If bleeding is activated, apply pressure.

You may shower and wash your hair, but avoid getting soap in the incisions.

Later Instructions and Information

It is not unusual for some of the sutures to untie after several days. As long as the incision remains closed, this is not cause for worry.

Sutures are removed four to six days after surgery.

After the sutures have been removed, use the ointment that evening and then discontinue. Warm compresses should be used at least once a day for three or four more days.

It is not unusual for the eyelids not to close fully during the first weeks after surgery. During the day, the use of any over-the-counter artificial tear preparation may feel soothing. At night, a lubrication ointment may be placed directly on the eye.

After three days, the light application of a concealer make-up to the upper cheek area may help to camouflage any bruising. Regular eyelid cosmetics may be resumed after ten days.

Most patients look the worst on the second or third day, after which improvement is rapid. Most bruising and swelling is gone by twelve days, although some will remain behind for six to ten weeks.

Contact lens wear may be resumed in about one week.

The incision may turn red, elevated, or bumpy in the weeks after surgery. The scar will then continue to fade and soften for about six months or more.

The incision may feel slightly tender for a few months. Itching is common. Any tight feeling or eyelash numbness will disappear over several months.

Do not try to evaluate the success of your surgery during your early recovery. Imbalances between the two sides are common at first due to swelling and variable rates of recovery. Full healing of any incision on the body can take six to nine months or more.