| Home Care Instructions » Eyelid Surgery |
Eyelid Surgery Home Care Instructions
Please read these instructions several times and make sure all of your questions are answered prior to surgery. We will give you specific instructions if we make any changes in these directions. Eye Care
Artificial tears may be used as frequently as needed to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Head Elevation
Sit up or rest with your head and back elevated with two pillows. It may help to sleep in this position for two to three days to prevent bruising and swelling.
Ice Packs
Place ice packs (a few ice cubes and a half cup of water, or frozen peas in a bag) over both eyes for 12 hours while awake. Do not use the ice packs continuously. Use them for thirty minutes, then leave them off for thirty minutes. Do not put ice on after 24 hours unless you are told to do so by Dr. McBride.
Swelling/Bruising
Ice packs will keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. The worst swelling usually occurs on the third day after surgery. If it occurs, bruising often lasts 10 to 14 days.
Vision
You may notice some blurry vision for the first few hours after surgery because of the local anesthetic and ointment applied to your eyes during surgery. This should resolve overnight. If it persists, becomes more severe, or concerns you, please call our office.
Medication
Take pain medication with food or liquid as prescribed. You may take any of your regular medications as usual unless instructed not to take them.
Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) for one day after surgery, these medications can increase bleeding and bruising. After the first day, you may take anti-inflammatory drugs as necessary. Take the Medrol Dosepack as directed on the package, except do not take any pills before bedtime. They may keep you awake.
Wound Care
Vaseline should be applied to upper and/or lower eyelid skin incisions several times each day to keep the incisions moist for rapid healing.
Diet
Soft foods will generally be easier to chew for the first few days. Protein in your diet is very important to help you heal and to prevent swelling. Be sure to eat 60 grams or more of protein per day. Protein supplement drinks like Ensure, Boost and Carnation Instant Breakfast, dairy products, meats and fish are excellent sources of protein.
You must drink at least 2 quarts (64 ounces) of fluids each day to prevent dehydration. Start drinking as soon as you get home after surgery and keep a written record of your intake to be sure you are getting enough fluid. If you feel nauseated, it usually means that you are dehydrated.
Drinking more fluid will help to eliminate the nausea. Day After Surgery
Activity
Try to sit up as much as possible. Lying down flat will tend to increase bruising and swelling. Avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for one week.
Makeup
Cosmetics may be applied to the lower eyelids the day after surgery if no incisions were made on the outside of your lower lids. If you had upper eyelid surgery, you may apply cosmetics to the upper lids when the sutures have been removed by our office. Ask us about special cover up products for bruising.
Hair Care
You may shower and wash your hair with soap running away from your face. Try to avoid bending over when washing your hair.
Three Days After Surgery
Moist Heat
Ice packs are discontinued 24 hours after surgery. Begin moist heat 3 days after surgery. Use a moist wash cloth between an electric moist heating pad and your eyes.
Never use a microwave heating pad, it may burn your skin. Do not use heat continuously. Apply for 30 minutes, then remove for 2 hours. Diet
Eat regular meals. You will need protein, vitamins and minerals to help with healing.
Sun
Protect your facial skin from excessive sun exposure for one month after surgery. Use SPF 30, or higher, sunscreen whenever prolonged sun exposure is anticipated.
Return Visit
We will ask you to return in 5 to 7 days after surgery to check your progress and remove your sutures. Please report any of the following to our office:
· Excessive bleeding.
· Itching, redness or rash around the eyelids.
· Temperature above 101 degrees.
· Excessive, sudden swelling or discoloration.
· Excessive fatigue or depression.
· Severe pain or pressure around your eyes.
. Any deterioration in your vision. |