Eyelid Surgery : Blepharoplasty
Pre-op and Post-op Instructions:
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EYELID SURGERY
1. If you smoke, it would be very beneficial if you refrain from smoking at least 2 weeks prior to your surgery. This is to help your lungs and circulation be in their best condition for surgery and to aid in healing.
2. Please do not take any aspirin or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Alieve) for 2 weeks preceding surgery. These substances can cause excessive bleeding. You may take any Tylenol products if necessary.
3. No diet pills or herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery.
4. On the day of surgery, please do not wear wigs, hairpins, jewelry, false eyelashes, or contact lenses. Wear or bring loose-fitting clothing. It would be a good idea to bring a pillow to make your ride home more comfortable.
5. If you have long hair, please pull it away from your face with a band.
6. Please purchase a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and Q-tips if you do not already have them. You will be using them after the surgery.
7. Please have crushed ice on hand to apply on eyes after surgery.
8. Please DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING after midnight the night before surgery.
9. Have prescriptions filled before your surgery.
10. If you develop any illness prior to your surgery, contact our office as soon as possible.
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR EYELID SURGERY
1. You must have someone available to drive you home from the surgery center and remain with you for the first night following surgery. If you live further than 30 miles away from the surgery center, we ask that you stay locally for the first night. There are post-operative care facilities close by if interested. Please ask our office for numbers. The office will call you the evening of surgery.
2. Take the pain medication every three to four hours, if needed. Ideally, it should be taken with food to prevent nausea. Take the antibiotic every eight hours for 7 days.
It is also a good idea to record when medications are taken to avoid taking too much or not enough.
3. Upon leaving the surgery center, you may have small quantities of liquids as desired and tolerated. The following day you may progress to a soft diet. After the above, you may eat as desired. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVARAGES are allowed for one week after surgery and especially while taking the medications.
4. Return home and go directly to bed for 24 hours, with bathroom privileges only. Sleeping on your back at all times will be the most comfortable and will help to keep the swelling down.
5. Clean suture lines with hydrogen peroxide on cotton applicator sticks, 3-4 times daily. You will have some oozing from the incisions the first day. Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide will keep crusts from forming on the incisions. Such crusts slow the healing process and lengthen the recovery time. Apply Neosporin ophthalmic ointment to suture lines with Q-tips, after cleansing with hydrogen peroxide.
6. You may use artificial tears to relieve any irritation of your eyes. Apply ice on your eyes continuously for the first 24 hours. However, except for hydrogen peroxide usage, the incisions must remain dry, so please use ice cautiously. At bedtime, apply Lacrilube ointment inside your eye to moisten during the night.
7. Swelling and discoloration are expected. However, excessive or uneven swelling (more on one side than the other) or bleeding should be reported to the office.
8. AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITY, sunbathing and getting overheated for 2-3 weeks. NO BENDING, LIFTING OR STRAINING.
9. DO NOT shampoo your hair until instructed to do so — usually 3-5 days post-operatively.
10. If there are any complications, such as severe pain or excessive bleeding, please call the office day or night at 619 466-8851.
Click here to learn more about San Diego Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Tom Pousti. To schedule your cosmetic surgery consultation in our San Diego office, call (619) 466-8851 or email appointments@pousti.com.
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