Before you leave hospital
MEDICATIONS
You will be provided with painkillers and an antibiotic ointment to apply to your eyes.
CHANGE OF DRESSINGS
Your dressings do not usually require changing before discharge.
FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS FOR DRESSING CLINICS
You will be handed a card with details of your first follow up appointment and contact details for the ward should you have any concerns once you get home.
Eyelid instructions
- Have someone drive you home after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Start walking as soon as possible; this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
- Follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may wish to add more raw fruit and fibre to your diet. Make sure you increase fluid intake.
- Take pain medication as prescribed. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin unless approved by your surgeon.
- Avoid smoking for at least two weeks, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
- Avoid alcohol when taking pain medications. Even if you are not taking pain medications, it is advisable to avoid alcohol for 3 weeks as it can cause fluid retention which may worsen swelling.
Returning to work after eyelid surgery
Return to work will depend on your recovery and job. We recommend taking at least one week off work. You will still be bruised, so it will be obvious that you have had surgery at this stage. You can usually use make-up (after 1 week) to cover bruising.
Wound care
Antibiotic ointment
You may have been provided with an antibiotic eye ointment (Chloramphenicol) to apply over your lashes and in your eyes. Apply a small amount 2-3 times daily for the first 1-2 days.
Be gentle
When washing your face – use a mild detergent or soap.
Do not use makeup or other cosmetics on your external incisions until your wound is fully healed (usually by two weeks).
Cold compresses around your eyes may help reduce bruising and swelling.
Activities after eyelid surgery
Showering/ bathing
Showering/ bathing
Generally speaking, you can shower at any time after your surgery.
Sleeping position
Sleeping position
Sleep comfortably on two or three pillows. You do not need to sleep propped upright.
Clothing
Clothing
Wear clothing that is easy to remove and avoid tight tops that require removal over your head as they might catch on your eyes.
Driving
Driving
We recommend not driving for at least three days after your surgery as you may be on pain medication. Additionally, your eyelids might be puffy and swollen.
Exercise
Exercise
Avoid strenuous activities or any activity that increases your blood pressure for around two weeks.
Glasses
Glasses
You can wear your glasses any time after surgery.
Contact lenses
Contact lenses
Generally speaking, you should avoid wearing contact lenses for as long as possible after your surgery. This is to avoid manipulation of the eyelids which may impair healing. Most patients can start wearing their contact lenses after about 3 weeks. Some patients, however, may have a degree of dryness or irritation to their eyes and should wait until this is resolved.
Follow up
4-6 days after your operation
You will attend a specialist nurse clinic to have your stitches, tape removed.
Six months
You will be asked to arrange a follow-up appointment with your surgeon at six months to discuss the outcome of your surgery and any concerns you may have.
Please note
Some of our patients will get in touch prior to their 6 months follow up appointment and we are often able to address any concerns you may have over the phone or via email. You are welcome to make an appointment (at no cost to you) prior to your 6 months follow up if you wish to be seen in person to discuss any issues.
When to call
- If you have increased swelling or bruising which is not settling.
- If you notice swelling of one/ both of your legs or feel short of breath – this may indicate a clot in one of your veins/ lungs – Deep vein thrombosis/ Pulmonary embolism.
- If you have increased redness along the incision (this may be a sign of infection).
- If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
- If you have any side effects to medications; such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.
- If you have a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius.
- If you have any yellowish or greenish discharge from the incisions.
- If you have bleeding from the incisions that is difficult to control with light pressure.
If concerned, please contact the hospital where you had your procedure performed in the first instance.
Eyelid surgery – Very professional
My upper blepharoplasty was a very professional and good experience with Mr Quaba and his team. I felt very taken care of and looked after at all times. I am also extremely pleased with the results although my facial bruising took a few months to disappear. I would not hesitate to recommend this surgeon and his team.
LF60