Advice Following Blepharoplasty

Introduction

You have had an:

  • upper blepharoplasty
  • lower blepharoplasty
  • upper and lower blepharoplasty (delete as necessary)

You must expect:

  • swelling
  • bruising
  • some discomfort

Immediately After Surgery

Following surgery it would be best to keep your head elevated for a few days to reduce swelling. This may reach its maximum 48 hours after surgery. Cold compresses can also help. (Place crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap gauze around. This will prevent your tapes from getting wet.) The surgeon will normally apply some suture strips or steri-strips as support to the eyelids after surgery and if these become crusted they can be replaced.

There may be some discomfort following surgery and painkilling medication such as Paracetamol may be taken as instructed on the packet.

Do not take drugs such as Aspirin or Nurofen as these occasionally cause unwanted bleeding following the surgery.

Ensure you take your antibiotics as prescribed and apply topical ointment as instructed.

Cleaning the eyes with warm sterile water is useful and the surgeon may advise the use of eye drops.

First Week to Three Months Post Surgery

The sutures are usually removed after 5 to 7 days and soon after you will be able to use make-up. Sometimes you will be advised to use the suture strips or steri-strips as support to the lower eyelids for a week or so.

The closure of the eyes appears tight after surgery because of the swelling and because skin has been removed. If closure is not complete at night the patient should apply some eye ointment before going to sleep. This sensation will settle as the swelling goes down.

The eyes appear watery after surgery, partly because of swelling under the conjunctiva (chemosis) and partly because the tear ducts are swollen and do not drain as readily. This will last a few weeks.

Although there is bruising it can quite readily be disguised with make-up and dark glasses. The scars will be pink for a few months, but eventually they become almost invisible.

Warning signs and symptoms:

  • increased pain
  • blurring of vision
  • excessive swelling

If any of the above occur, please call the numbers below for advice as soon as possible.

If you have any other problems or are concerned in any way, please telephone The Wentworth Clinic on 01202 428773, or 01202 422171.