Blepharoplasty Post Operative Care
Important information after blepharoplasty surgery
- Apply cool compresses to the eyes for 2 days. Small ziplock bags of frozen peas often work well and can be rotated through the freezer. 10 minutes per hour while awake works well
- Keep head elevated wherever possible for the first 3 days
- Do not bend over.
- Do not squint or frown
- Avoid excessive movement of facial muscles
- Do not wear make-up
- Avoid lifting anything heavy
Notify Dr Roth if you notice any of the following –
- Excessive pain, bleeding or swelling
- Changes in vision
- You develop a fever > 38.5 degrees
Attend your follow-up appointment one week following the procedure.
Take all medication as directed.
- Antibiotic ointment will be prescribed and this needs to be applied to the wounds twice a day.
- During the first few days the eyelids may not close completely due to swelling and it may be necessary to apply antibiotic ointment to the eye at night to avoid a dry eye. Lubricating drops during the day may also occasionally be necessary. Antibiotic ointment when placed in the eye makes vision blurry.
- If you had a transconjunctival lowered eyelid blepharoplasty, you may be prescribed eye drops that contain a steroid and antibiotic.
- After 3 days, warm compresses can be used. These can help to soften any dry blood and assist with gentle cleaning of the wound.
After suture removal
- Your sutures will be removed at approximately 7 days after surgery
- After this avoid rubbing the eyelids as this may result in the wounds breaking open
- There is often numbness just below where any surgical incisions are made; this is normal. Patients often notice this when applying eyeliner.
- The second post-operative appointment is usually made at 6 weeks. A further set of photographs is taken at this point to compare with the pre-operative set.
You can download a .pdf version of this information here – Blepharoplasty post-op information