What is the best aftercare post upper bleph, Asian eyelid surgery?

Question

I had Asian eyelid surgery 2 days ago and feel uneasy about the surgeon I went to. When I was discharged, I was not given any post op instructional paperwork or anything like that. I don’t feel comfortable asking the clinic because the doctor was so arrogant he didn’t introduce himself or see me at the follow up. My nurse told me 2-3 tips but that was right after my procedure when I was loopy from anesthesia. Can you please help me with general tips for healing, wound care, do/donts, etc?

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

Oh my goodness, ok, lets see here:1.  Ice with a barrier like gauze or paper towel between skin and bags of peas or frozen corn or ice packs.  Do this about 20 minutes at a time twice and hour for 2-3 days.  Ice 4-5 times a day after that.2.  Clean incisions with water or peroxide (not alcohol!) about 4-5 times a day and place a thin later of Aquafor on the incisions.  3.  Use your eyes normally and and get out of the house after 2-3 days.  Run errands, have lunch with friends but no strenuous activities.4.  No seafood or alcohol.5.  Call your doctor for any urgent questions and DEMAND a response if it is within the first 10 days of your surgery.  I provide a direct line to me where patients can call and text in the first 10 days post op.Chase Lay MDAsian eyelid surgery specialist

Amiya Prasad, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are asking about how to manage aftercare after Asian double eyelid surgery as your surgeon was not so forthcoming, and the staff gave you some tips while you were still groggy from the effects of anesthesia.
I can certainly help you based on your photo alone, and give you so guidance in the absence of a physical exam. I’m Dr. Amiya Prasad. I’m a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and Fellowship-trained Oculoplastic Surgeon. I’ve been in practice in Manhattan and Long Island for over 20 years. I’m well experienced with Asian double eyelid surgery for both primary and revisional surgery, as well as all other types of cosmetic, reconstructive, and restorative eyelid surgeries.
I advise my patients to use cold compresses for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off as much as possible for the first two days after eyelid surgery to reduce the swelling.
After the first 2-3 days, I advise a warm compress as much as possible to the eyelids, also for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off. A warm compress helps clear the fluid that causes swelling. 
I prescribe an antibiotic ointment only for the first few days after eyelid surgery, such as Bacitracin, Erythromycin and Tobradex. Use a Q-tip to apply the ointment so you don’t get any bacteria or dirt into the eyelid incision. It’s important to limit use of antibiotic ointment to the first few days because overuse can lead to an allergic reaction, specifically contact dermatitis. Many people mistake this for an issue with healing, and apply even more antibiotic ointment, which makes it even worse. After the first few days, I recommend a petrolatum-based ointment like Aquaphor to create a moist environment ideal for healing.
We normally remove the sutures a week after surgery and perform a follow-up to see how you are doing with healing. Although you are not comfortable with your doctor, the follow-up process is important over the next few months to see how you are doing with incision healing, how swelling has resolved, and how close you are to the final results. You should remain in contact with your surgeon at this time as they know the details of your surgery, and what goal you should be reaching in terms of results. 
Swelling will continue to dissipate over the next few months. Full surgical healing takes about a year, but people are pretty close to their final results after 3-6 months, depending on how surgery was performed, and how diligent aftercare and follow-up were.
A common problem with people seeking cosmetic surgery based on price is the doctor’s attention to their patient, or lack thereof. Doctors who charge less for surgery need to make up the difference by seeing more patients. Other doctors may charge more, but they can spend more time with patients in consultation and follow up. While this is not always the case, it often is.
I suggest you try to meet with your surgeon if you have any concerns about your results and healing. Your surgeon is ideal because they know the details of your surgery. If you have concerns that you feel your surgeon is not addressing, then a second opinion with an experienced surgeon is warranted. I hope you found this information helpful. Thank you for your question.

Umeng David Thao, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Some generally postcare instructions right after surgery are: cold compress as much as possible for a week, clean the incisions with warm water and apply light antibiotic ointment few times a day, no heavy lifting or straining of the eye, avoid sun exposure to incision. However,  It is important to ask your surgeon/clinic for any specific post care instructions for your eyelid surgery .  Also, you should follow up closely with your surgeon for postops to take out sutures (if any) and see how you are healing. Best of luck!

What is the best aftercare post upper bleph, Asian eyelid surgery?

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What is the best aftercare post upper bleph, Asian eyelid surgery?

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