After Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

There will be no dressing applied to the eyes following surgery.  It is important to be sure to keep cold moist compresses on your eyes.

Swelling and bruising of the eyelids of varying degrees may occur.  It will last approximately 2 weeks.

You will need to apply Bacitracin ointment to the surgical area several times per day, keeping the area moist with the ointment.

Apply ice for the first 48 hours, on for 15 minutes and off for 15 minutes.

If the surgical area gets red, discontinue the Bacitracin and use petroleum jelly.

Do not scratch or pick at the area and do not get the nylon sutures wet.

Take your prescribed medicine as directed.

You will need to sleep with your head elevated for 1 week.

Occasionally, a small area of swelling or reddish bumps are seen on or around the incision lines.  These will disappear as the healing progresses.

Avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects for 1 week.  No strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks.

Do not apply make-up for the first 10 days following surgery.

Do not wear contact lenses for 10 days, wear glasses, being sure they do not pull on the incision line.

Do not pluck eyebrows for 2 weeks following surgery.

Report any eye pain or vision changes to our office immediately.

After your sutures (stitches) are removed and the wound is healed completely you can rub the surgical area with Vitamin E oil on a regular basis.   You can find this at Walmart or a pharmacy.  Rub the area for approximately 15-20 minutes, but not too often.  Wear a sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher and wear a hat to protect the surgical area from the sun, even during the winter months.

Patients who received general anesthesia should return home from our office immediately upon discharge and lie down with the head elevated until all the effects of the anesthesia have disappeared.  Anesthesia effects vary by individual, and you may feel drowsy for a short period of time or for several hours.  You should not operate any mechanical equipment or drive a motor vehicle for at least 24 hours or longer if you feel any residual effects from the anesthesia.  Do not use appliances or equipment that could be dangerous such as power tools, stoves, burners or lawn mowers.  Watch out for dizziness.  Walk slowly and take your time.  Sudden changes of position can also cause nausea or dizziness.  Do not drink any alcoholic beverages.  The drugs in your body may cause your reaction to alcohol to be dangerous.