“Pre & Post Eyelid Surgery Tips” by N. Holmes

by Beauty Blogger Nelson Holmes

As we age, the skin around the eyes loses its elasticity and becomes loose. This loose skin collects as folds in the upper eyelids and forms deepening creases in the lower lids. Eyelid surgery removes this excess fat and loose skin of the upper and lower eyelids. An eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty removes the surplus skin and protruding fat to reduce the morning swelling and produce a more firm appearance. When carried out by a qualified and experienced Plastic surgeon, the complications are rare.

However, just like in any other surgical procedure, there are certain precautions that need to be taken before and after eyelid surgery:

Pre Eyelid Surgery Tips

• Two weeks before the surgery

If you are taking any medications, or if you smoke, do tell your surgeon two weeks prior to the surgery. Do not smoke two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after, to avoid complications. Avoid taking any medications that contain Aspirin. If you are using blood thinners or vitamin E supplements, talk to your surgeon about it. Also stop taking herbal supplements and herbal teas as they may contain ingredients that can cause prolonged bleeding. Diabetes, blood pressure and other medications are continued in normal dosage.

If you develop any signs of infection, do notify your plastic surgeon.

Get all the lab work performed two weeks before the surgery. Your surgeon will give you a list of tests to be done.

• The day before the surgery

Do not dye or bleach your hair couple of days prior to surgery. The night and day before the eyelid surgery , shampoo your hair with betadine solution. Eat light meal the night before the surgery.

• On the day of operation

You are not allowed to eat any solid food three hours before the surgery time. Take light food on the day of surgery. Wear something comfortable that buttons or zips up the front. Do not wear any make up, hair extensions or wigs that is tight fitting to your hair. Arrange for someone who can drive you home after the surgery. If possible, someone should stay with you at your home for few hours after the eyelid surgery.

Post Eyelid Surgery Tips

• Activity

After your surgery, you can go directly home and remain in bed until the following morning. Restrict your daily activities for the next couple of days. Even avoid excessive smiling and yawning for first few days. Avoid bending, heavy lifting and straining for the first week following surgery. You will be able to resume strenuous exercise three to four weeks after surgery. Strenuous activities not just increase swelling, but also elevate blood pressure and start bleeding.

• Diet

Start with liquid diet followed by soft foods. After couple of days, you may start eating solid foods.

• Medications

After the surgery, you may experience symptoms such as pain and discomfort. You will be prescribed an antibiotics, an anti-nausea prescription, analgesic and eyedrops. If you have any history of allergy or sensitivity to these products, tell your doctor. Take the medications as instructed by your surgeon.

• Wound care

Use Frozen pea packs or warm rice compress to reduce swelling , discomfort and discoloration following surgery. During the first few hours after the surgery, apply frozen pea packs (cold compress) as frequently as possible.

• Make-up care

Do not use mascara, eyeliner or eye shadow until approved by your surgeon (which is usually around 5 to 7 days). Minimal face makeup may be used sparingly on the lower lids, below the sutures only, 48 hours after surgery. Avoid the suture line and do not pull the incisions.

Ask your surgeon when you can wear contact lenses.

• Use sunglasses

Avoid exposure to sunlight following couple of days after the surgery. Your eyes are sensitive to bright light, so wear sunglasses whenever you go out.

• Sleeping

For the first couple of days, sleep on your back with your head elevated. Keep a pillow under your neck.

• Bathing

Shampooing or rinsing your hair is allowed on the third day. Use a mild shampoo or light non-toxic creme rinses to prevent irritation.

• Call your doctor

In case you notice symptoms such as intense eye pain, loss of vision or bulging of the eye, report your doctor immediately. Delay may result in loss of vision, which may be permanent.