Eye Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Instructions Following Surgery
Immediately After Surgery
- Rest quietly in bed after surgery, with head straight and elevated at 45 degrees, on two pillows.
- Stay in the company of a responsible adult for the first 24 hours.
- Do not sleep on either side for two weeks.
- Your vision is likely to be blurred because of an ophthalmic ointment in the eyes and swelling from the surgery.
- Expect to feel tired for 7 – 10 days after surgery, especially after anaesthetics.
- Get adequate rest, in order not to increase blood pressure and prevent bleeding, decrease swelling and bruising.
Bruising And Swelling
- Keep ice compresses (4” x 4” gauze pads dipped in ice water and wrung out) on the eyelids for the first 48 hours and intermittently for one week – e.g. place ice on the eyes in the “ads” while watching TV.
- Continuous ice compresses are to be continued without fail and are one of the most important aspects of your immediate post-operative nursing care.
- When bending, bend at knees only, not with head down.
- Obvious bruises and much of the swelling subside in 2 – 3 weeks generally. Your result is best at 6 – 8 weeks, but you can usually return to work in 2 – 3 weeks. Excessive bruising and swelling is rare, but can occur. This will always subside.
- If you have persistent bruising or redness, make-up will cover this until it subsides.
- No alcohol for two weeks, if possible, as it increases swelling; or have only in moderation.
- Do not lie face down for six weeks.
Pain And Medications
- Soreness and headaches are normal for 1 – 2 weeks. Pain is unusual and you should call the Clinic if you have pain in one or both eyes. Severe pain is unusual.
- For pain, take Panadeine Forte, one to two tablets every four to six hours (not more than eight per day). This will be prescribed by the Anaesthetist after surgery.
- No driving or operating machinery after an anaesthetic or while on medications for pain.
- Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications or immediately after surgery.
- Do not take Aspirin, Vitamin E, Anti-inflammatory medication or any medication containing Aspirin or Vitamin E for at least two weeks after surgery as this increases bleeding.
- Commence hormone replacement therapy after discussing this with the doctor.
- No smoking for at least two weeks after surgery.
Wound Care
- You may have some tape on your eyes to reduce swelling – leave this intact until you have been advised by the nurse.
- Then commence gentle cleansing of the eyes with normal saline and cotton wool, and after, apply antibiotic ointment with cotton buds. Antibiotic ointment will be prescribed by the surgeon and can be dispensed at the Hospital prior to discharge. Do this twice a day for seven days.
- Use eye drops only as prescribed.
- Sutures (stitches) are removed 5 – 7 days after surgery.
- Shower as normal after 24 hours. If you have some form of tape on your eyes, do not get it wet.
Diet
- A light diet is best, not too rich, on the night after surgery, to avoid vomiting after anaesthetics.
Activity
- During the first 48 hours, bed rest is recommended and is the most convenient position to apply ice compresses.
- During the first five days after surgery, it is most important not to engage in any activity which will elevate the blood pressure and swelling, and possibly produce bruising under the skin and may cause bleeding.
- During the first five days, you should restrict your normal activities, no housework and no physical labour. Following the first office visit, you will be given further instructions regarding your activity level.
- No heavy exercise or aerobics of any kind for six weeks.
- Walking is permitted, as tolerable.
- Exercise will increase swelling and bruising.
- No flying for two weeks unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
One Week To A Few Months After Surgery
- Do not use contact lenses for three weeks
- No make-up is to be used on the eyes for ten days.
- Avoid sunburn. Wear sunglasses outside.
- The eyes may tend to water in cold air or windy weather and because of the swelling this causes temporary derangement of the tear flow. This will subside.
- Redness of the scar occurs occasionally during the first three months and will subside thereafter. It is more common in red-haired people. Make-up may cover the redness and can be applied two weeks after surgery.
- Intermittent blurring of vision and other minor discomfort may occur during the first month.
- Do not lie on either side or face down for six weeks.
Call The Clinic If You Have
- Pain in one or both eyes. Severe pain is unusual.
- Any other question or problem arising.
Purchase Prior To Surgery For Dressings
- Ice packs – or bendable gel packs.
Please call the office for routine questions and to schedule follow-up visits.
For an emergency, please call Dr Luke Stradwick on 0423 506 792 or Allamanda Hospital Emergency Department on 07-5591 9400