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Post Operative Instructions
Blepharoplasty
1. Cleanse suture lines with 1/4 strength hydrogen peroxide using Q-tips twice a day. (You can dilute the peroxide with tap water or normal saline, three parts to one, to make it 1/4 strength). Avoid getting it in your eye, but if you do get a little bit in your eye, it won't cause any problem.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, Neosporin, Polysporin, etc.) to incisions after each cleansing. Use only the ophthalmic ointment provided. Regular antibiotic ointment will irritate your eyes and should not be used on the eyelids.
3. Use the ointment three or four times a day. It will not only aid in healing, but also lubricate the sutures so they will be easier to remove. The nylon sutures are removed on post-op day five or six. The sutures beneath your lower lid lashes are absorbable and will fall out on their own in 7-10 days.
4. Elevate the head of your bed or sleep on two or three pillows (or in a recliner), and keep an iced wash rag or gauze on your eyes as much as possible for the first two days after surgery to minimize swelling. In spite of this, expect swelling and bruising of all four lids after surgery. This peaks at 48-72 hrs. and generally takes 7-10 days to resolve (sometimes longer).
5. Avoid bending, stooping or straining for two weeks after surgery. This includes weight lifting or any type of aerobic work-out activity. After two weeks, let common sense be your guide.
6. If a support suture was placed in your lower lid, you will have tenderness at the point of attachment to the bone just beneath the outer end of your eyebrow for two or three weeks after surgery. This is normal.
7. Most patients require narcotics for pain control for the first two or three days. After this, you should be able to get adequate pain relief from extra strength Tylenol. Avoid aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc.), or any aspirin-like compound for three weeks after surgery. If you are not sure about a particular medicine, refer to the list you were given before surgery, ask your pharmacist or call us.
8. During the first week or so after surgery, your eyes may not close completely when you sleep at night. This usually resolves as the swelling goes down. Until it does, it is imperative that you lubricate your eyes at night before you go to sleep using either the ophthalmic antibiotic ointment or a bland eye lubricant such as Lacrilube. You may also need to carry artificial tears with you for a few weeks after surgery until the dryness and irritation resolves.
9. Leave your contacts out for two weeks. For women, no eye make-up for ten days.
10. The lower lids remain stiff for several weeks after surgery. Gentle massage using the technique we will show you in the office will help the stiffness go away faster.
11. Post-op photos are usually taken three to six months after surgery. If you have any questions during the healing/resolution phase, refer to this sheet or call our office.
