Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
Before the Operation:
1 week before the operation you should not take any ASA. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen or any medications containing these drugs can be taken up to five days preoperatively. Celebrex and Mobicox may be taken up to the day prior to surgery. All herbal medications should also be avoided as they can interfere with normal blood clotting and anesthetic agents.
You should take the rest of your medications normally the day of your procedure. One of the risks of the surgery is post-operative bleeding which will be less likely if these instructions are adhered to. There are many new blood thinners now being used which each have a different duration of effect. Please make certain you review this with the office, so you are only off them the appropriate amount of time.
After the Operation:
We hope your surgery was a good experience for you.
You should rest quietly all day following your surgery. You can start normal activities the day following your surgery.
You should expect some bruising and swelling following the procedure. This is usually the worse at day 2-3 following the procedure. You may have mild oozing from the incision. If this occurs apply a clean cold compress and pressure for 15 minutes. There may be mild discomfort and grittiness to the eye(s).
You may use Tylenol or other pain medication if prescribed. Avoid Advil or ASA unless otherwise instructed.
Medications Recommended To Have At Home After The Operation:
Take Tylenol as needed every 4-6 hours
Take saline drops 2-4 times daily as needed. Please do not pull on the eyelids when applying drops
Apply the prescribed Tobradex ointment with a clean cotton applicator twice daily for 7-10 days. Please do not pull on the eyelids. It is fine if this does go into the eye and will not cause any harm but is intended for the incision.
It can be helpful to sleep with the head slightly elevated for a few days post operatively to reduce swelling and bruising.
General care:
- Use medications as directed
- Wear sunglasses during the day as needed
- Gently wash with clean warm washcloth after 24 hours if needed
- Use a clean cold washcloth compress for first two days to help with the swelling and bruising
- Watch TV and read as desired
Do Not
- Rub the wounds or eyelids
- Touch the wound with dirty hands or contaminated water
- Swim, exercise or engage in strenuous physical activity for one week after surgery
- Bend over and lift heavy objects
Emergencies
If you develop the following symptoms you may need to be seen
- Sudden loss of vision
- Sudden and or severe pain not relieved by Tylenol
- Sudden swelling, discolored discharge, bleeding that does not stop with cold compresses or direct pressure for 15 minutes at a time.
For Emergencies, please contact the office during the day, or after First email info@niagararhinoplasty.com, and if there is not a response then proceed to the emergency department.