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INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Have someone drive you home after surgery and help you at home for 1-2 days. Get plenty of rest. Follow balanced diet.
  2. Decreased activity may promote constipation, so you may want to add more raw fruit to your diet and be sure to increase fluid intake. Strainig in toilet may increase bleeding in the eyelids.
  3. Take pain medication as prescribed even if no pain;these also reduce swelling. Do not take aspirin or any products containing aspirin.
  4. Do not drink alcohol when taking pain medications. Even when not taking pain medications, no alcohol for 3 weeks as it causes fluid retention.
  5. Do not smoke, as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
  6. Take your other prescription medicines such as BP medications, avoid aspirin for 1 week.

ACTIVITIES

  • Start walking as soon as possible, as this helps to reduce swelling and lowers the chance of blood clots.
  • Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics). As your eyes may be swollen, your field of vision may be restricted and you may not be a safe driver on the roads
  • Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting and rigorous sports.
  • Keep activities to a minimum for 3-5 days;avoid strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
  • Can read or watch television after 2-3 days.
  • Return to work in 7 days.

INCISION CARE

  • Avoid exposing scars to sun for at least 3 months. Always use a strong sunblock, if sun exposure is unavoidable (SPF 30 or greater).
  • Keep steri-strips on;replace if they come off.
  • Use cold saline compresses first 24 hours for comfort and to reduce swelling and bruising.
  • Keep your head elevated for several days;sleep with your head on 2 pillows at least 1 week.
  • Generally, your hair can be shampooed 2 days after surgery.
  • Wait at least 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses.
  • You will have sensitivity to sunlight, wind and other irritants for several weeks, so wear sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids. You may use lubricant eye drops id you experience dry-eye symptoms.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Occasionally, the eyes are bandaged for the first night. You doctor will provide you eye-pads if so required.

There is not much pain in this surgery, discomfort improves with each day thereafter.

Expect temporary swelling of the eyelids, tightness of lids, bruising, dryness, burning, and itching of eyes.

You may have gummy eyes for approximately 1 week.

For the first few weeks, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and double or blurred vision.

You may have difficulty closing your eyes when you sleep. If so, apply generous quantity of lubricating eye ointment.

APPEARANCE

Bruising and swelling of the eyelids may last 1-2 weeks.

Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for 6 weeks or more.

Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out;can be easily removed by surgeon or plastic surgery nurse.

Facial makeup can cover up bruising after the sutures are removed.

FOLLOW-UP CARE

Sutures will usually be removed in 5 days.

WHEN TO CALL

  • If you have increased swelling or bruising.
  • If swelling and redness persist after a few days especially if on one side.
  • If you have severe or increased pain not relieved by medication.
  • If you have any side effects to medications;such as, rash, nausea, headache, vomiting.