Eyelid Surgery aftercare - What tips or supplies are recommended to patients to get them through their recovery?

Question

Robert G. Fante, MD, FACS · Answer

In addition to the medications prescribed by your surgeon, you may want
to pick up non-preserved artificial tear drops, nighttime eye gel or ointment,
vitamin E capsules, small snack size Ziploc bags, and frozen peas or corn.  The frozen vegetables can be put into several
of the Ziploc bags and used in the first 36 hours as ice packs to reduce
swelling.  Unlike ice, they don’t drip
and can be easily re-frozen and rotated. 
Many people experience a temporary issue with dryness of the eyes after
eyelid surgery that may last a few days or even weeks, and the artificial teardrops
can provide soothing relief.  Similarly,
the surgery may cause a temporary problem with eyelid closure and the nighttime
ointment will help keep the eyes healthy until it resolves.  Finally, the vitamin E capsules can be popped
with a pin and the oil inside is just the right amount to massage into the
upper eyelid incisions once or twice a day starting a week after the sutures
are removed.  Vitamin E oil massage helps
the small scars to heal with fewer tendencies toward thickening or
redness.  I guess that last things you
may want are a pair of large sunglasses and makeup concealer to use during the
early phase when there is a good chance of bruising.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The aftercare for eyelid surgery usually involves applying cool compresses the first night after the surgery.  In our practice, we also recommend patients to not take any aspirin, ibuprofen or any blood thinners  which might worsen bruising. Arnica is also an option that can potentially help with swelling and bruising and patients can take that if they wish to do so. It's also important the patient should not be exercising strenuously for the first 10 days after the procedure.  Itis acceptable to do some light walking. Pain medicines can be taken as needed, but usually very few pain pills are required after eyelid surgery

Stanley G. Poulos, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

That's a good question. The main
factors affecting eyelid surgery recovery (other than skillful surgery) are
avoiding dry eyes and resolving bruising as quickly as possible. I recommend eye
lubricants for the former and cold compresses, perioperative arnica, rest,
elevation, and avoidance of blood thinners for the latter. Ask your surgeon for
advice that's customized to your needs. Thanks, and best wishes for your
recovery!

Eyelid Surgery aftercare - What tips or supplies are recommended to patients to get them through their recovery?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Eyelid Surgery aftercare - What tips or supplies are recommended to patients to get them through their recovery?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.