Appearance
- Swelling, bruising, and some level of discomfort are expected after surgery. Most swelling and bruising will subside in 10-14 days on average.The intensity and duration of these side effects depend on your surgical history as well as individual healing characteristics.
- Due to the vascular nature of the eye area, mild-moderate bruising is expected and normal.
- Any discoloration can usually be covered using gentle makeup after your sutures have been removed during your 1 week post-op appointment. Please be sure to ask Dr. Madnani during this appointment if you may be cleared to begin makeup application.
- Swelling can also be more pronounced around the eye area due to excess fluid secretion & retention in this delicate/thin skin around the eye area. This is also normal and expected.
- On some occasions, swelling can often cause the lower lid to separate from the eyeball. This condition will usually resolve on its own as the swelling goes down. Massage is sometimes advised by the doctor.
- If you have nasal allergies or sinus conditions, you can take antihistamines to relieve any sinus congestion. Nasal congestion can sometimes contribute to swelling and discoloration.
- On rare occasions, the whites of one or both eyes may become partially discolored. This should be painless and will not harm your vision. Any discoloration will eventually clear without medical treatment. However, do notify us immediately if you experience any sharp pain inside the eyes and/or if discoloration gets worse.
Note: The eye area is extremely delicate. In some cases, swelling and bruising may persist for longer than you may have anticipated. Take heart, as we have never encountered a case where it did not ultimately subside!
Incisions: During the first several days following surgery, the incisions may be hard to see. Next, they go through a period of slight swelling and will possibly redden. Later this subsides and they become virtually imperceptible. This is the way scars normally mature. Any unevenness of the edges of the incisions or lumpiness of the scars is usually temporary, and will subside with time. If an incision was made inside the eyelid, the scar will not be visible.
Small cysts, resembling whiteheads may appear beside the upper lid incisions. Like whiteheads, they will disappear when their contents are expressed in the office. Although uncommon, they may occur in the lower eyelids as well.
Blurred Vision
- You may experience some blurred vision for two or three days after the operation. This is normally due to the swelling and/or ointments being used to lubricate your eyes and will clear up spontaneously.
Elevation
- Keep your head elevated at least 15 degrees (on one pillow) at all times. The head should be above your heart at all times to reduce swelling. Placing pillows under the mattress can help ensure your back and head are elevated. Sleeping in a recliner can help as well.
Cool Compress Application
- Applying cool compress over your eyes will significantly reduce bleeding, swelling & ease discomfort. Anything other than cool compresses can be too heavy and cause more stress to the delicate eye area. Be sure to always use a clean cloth.
- Cool compresses can be applied for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours and continued for the next 24-72 hours to reduce swelling.
- Note: if you are also having a fat transfer along with this procedure, ensure the compress is kept in the refrigerator, not the freezer to avoid freezing recently placed fat.
Wound Care
- Clean your incisions 2x daily with warm water & gentle cleanser, e.g. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- After cleansing, apply a thin layer of your prescribed antibiotic eye ointment (2x daily).
- If you have been prescribed antibiotic eye drops, instill them directly into your eyes (2x daily).
Medications
- Take all medications as directed.
- Be sure to finish your full course of antibiotics.
- Pain medication can be taken on an as-need basis.
We recommend switching to: Tylenol Extra Strength whenever possible.
Under NO circumstance should you take any medicines containing aspirin, motrin, ibuprofen or aleve (NSAIDS). These are blood thinners and can increase the risk of complications.
Resuming Activities
- You may resume showering and washing your hair 24 hours after your surgery.
- Be mindful to avoid getting shampoo/soap to your eye area.
- Do NOT apply direct water pressure to your face. We recommend using only gentle shower products and to turn your back to the shower head to avoid direct water pressure to your face.
- If you have a detachable shower head, it may help make showering easier.
- Avoid bending at the hip or lifting more than 10 lbs for at least 2 weeks.
- Do not engage in swimming, diving, water sports, strenuous athletic activity for at least 1 month after your surgery.
- Avoid straining during bowel movements. Pain medications and lack of movement can cause constipation. You may use OTC stool softener to relieve symptoms.
- Be careful not to bump your face and eye area, especially during the first week.
- Do not sleep on your face and try to avoid excess movements and any pressure to the eye area.
- Eyeglasses & sunglasses can be worn the day after your surgery.
- Do NOT wear contact lenses for at least 3 weeks after your surgery.
- Do NOT tweeze your eyebrows for at least 2 weeks after your procedure. Avoid any pulling to the eye area.
- False eyelashes may NOT be worn for at least 10 days after your surgery.
- If coloring/bleaching/dying hair, be sure to let your hairdresser know to take extra caution to avoid the eye area completely.
Returning to Work
- Most patients can return to non-strenuous work duties 4-5 days after surgery, as long as you are socially comfortable with any potential swelling and bruising. However, we recommend a full week of recuperation, if possible.
Sun Avoidance & Protection
- It is very important that you use sunscreen to prevent sun damage to the skin. Sunscreen should offer broad spectrum protection (UVA/UVB), have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 or more, and be used daily. If direct sun exposure is necessary, wear a hat and clothing that covers the treated area. Diligent sun protection and sunscreen use may lower the risk of post surgical hyperpigmentation. You can begin wearing a gentle physical sunscreen about 3 days after your surgery. We recommend SkinBetter or Skinceuticals (both available at our office). (Note: if you are having other treatments at the same time we may advise waiting longer than 3 days for application of sunscreen)
Contact the office if you notice any signs of infection:
- Pus-like drainage
- Increasing redness to incisions
- Increased warmth at the treated area
- Fever 100.5 F or greater
- Sever pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers
