Do I Need Someone to Stay with Me After Eyelid Surgery? I'm 70 and Live Alone.

Question

live a lone and in my 70's and need upper eyelid surgery to improve vision.

Niki Christopoulos, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, any time a patient undergoes surgery for the eyes, or any procedure that requires anesthesia ( whether it be general anesthesia or "twilight" sedation anesthesia), they need to have a responsible adult with them to take them home after surgery and care for them overnight.  You cannot drive home or even take a cab by yourself after anesthesia.  Every one needs someone with them in the event of an unlikely emergency.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Due to the sedation and medication administered to surgery patients, I require all my patients to have a responsible adult with them for at least 24 hours following surgery. Patients find it extremely useful (if not necessary) to have someone else assist them with daily activities such as giving medications and providing transportation to follow-up appointment as they are recovering. If finding someone to take care of you is difficult, ask your surgeon about the availability of after care facilities or in-home care.

Mahlon Kerr, MD, FACS · Answer

All patients who undergo cosmetic surgery of any type should really have a responsible adult with them for at least 24 hours after surgery. An alternative is to see if a plastic surgery aftercare facility is avaiable or look for a plastic surgeon like myself who operates in the hospital setting and can just admit you overnight. Regardless of what arrangements you make you will be glad you made them. Best of luck! Dr Kerr

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Have patients been able to get away without any help the night of surgery? Yes. Is it a good idea? ABSOLUTELY NOT. You have no doubt heard the saying :

	You have to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best.

	The worst case scenario is bleeding around the eyelids/eye with possible loss of vision. Is that scenario something you want to face alone? NO. Don't want to scare you, but this is an elective procedure and safety is paramount.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

In arranging surgery for a patient, aftercare is a critical component to the overall surgical plan. This is as much true for a 30 year old as it is for an 80 year old. You might be a very capable individual. However, for the first night after eyelid surgery, swelling, ointment needed to lubricate the eye surface, and the slow clearance of any drugs administered at the time of surgery can all contribute to a degree of impairment right after surgery. Having a sitter or a night nurse, even a competent friend or family member with you for the first day or two will prevent small things from turning into a bigger problem. Ben Franklin said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That applies to your situation.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes. It is important to have someone with you the first night after a surgery. You cannot drive home after anesthesia for the upper blepharoplasty and in the event you need to get back to the office for any type of surgically related emergencies it is important to have a caretaker.

Joseph O'Connell, MD · Answer

All plastic surgery patients should have a responsible adult with them for at least 24 hours following surgery. If a patient does not have a caregiver sometimes plastic surgical offices can provide a private-duty type nurse or other caregiver for this critical and important time period.

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be best for you to have someone with you for the first few days. After surgery, your eyes may be swollen and ointment may be placed in the eyes, making it difficult to see. It would be safest to have a little help with your daily activities, to assist you with your medications and to provide the transportation needed to your post operative appointments.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I only allow patients to leave my office surgical facility with a chaperone either a family member, friend, or nurse, It is always a good idea to have someone with you the first night or two to at ten to your needs.

Jacob Freiman, MD, FACS · Answer

I would definitely suggest having someone stay with you for at least a couple of days after your blepharoplasty in case your eyelids swell and the paid medications may make you a little unstable on your feet.

Do I Need Someone to Stay with Me After Eyelid Surgery? I'm 70 and Live Alone.

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