Post Op Forms: Eyelid (Bleph) Post Op

Post-Operative Instructions
Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery

Please read your instructions carefully and please call the office with any questions or concerns! Thank you!

Position:         When reclining, elevate your head and back with several pillows for the first 1-2 days after surgery.  Lie on your back, rather than on your sides or stomach.

Ice:
Ice packs or cool damp washcloths should be applied on or around the treated areas.  This will lessen the amount of swelling, bruising, and pain.  If no bandages are present, place a cloth between the skin and the ice pack to protect the skin.  Use ice for up to 45 minutes out of each waking hour for the first 24 hours.  An easy schedule to follow is 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.

Diet:
First day:  A liquid diet is recommended.
Second day:  You may begin a diet or easily chewable foods, then you may resume your regular diet.

Activity:
(A) During your first post-operative day, you should rest and keep your head elevated.  Do not stay in bed all day.
(B) Avoid bending over or lifting more than 5 pounds during the first week.
(C) Take extra precaution to protect your head and neck from bumps, hits or injuries.

Hair Care:
You may wash your hair the day after surgery.  Mild baby shampoo is recommended.

Cosmetics:
You may apply cosmetics to untreated areas following surgery.  Avoid any areas with skin stitches, abrasions or laser treatment.  Make-up may be applied in the treated areas after the skin stitches have been removed.

Make-up may delay wound healing and possibly produce a permanent tattoo if it comes in contact with treated areas too soon.

Sports:
Low-intensity walking is permitted during the first week.  No swimming, gym, or strenuous activities for two weeks.

Sun Exposure:
Protect your facial skin from excessive sun exposure as long as the treated area(s) are still pink.  When the treated area(s) are no longer pink ordinary exposure is not harmful, but sunscreen should always be used.

Medications:
Prescription Pain Medication – take one tablet when you arrive home.  Additional tablets may be taken one every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.  CAUTION: do not drive or operate machinery while taking pain medications.  Take with food or liquid to avoid nausea.

Other Pain Medications- Tylenol may be taken as directed in place of prescription pain medications.  Avoid all other pain medications (e.g., aspirin, Aleve, ibuprofen) as they may cause excessive bleeding.

Antibiotics – if prescribed, you will most likely be taking one tablet 3 or 4 times a day.  Take them until they are gone.

 Care of Eyelid Stitches

Supplies needed:
Polysporin/Vaseline or Bacitracin ointment
Cotton Tipped Applicators (Q-Tips, etc.)
3% Hydrogen Peroxide, fresh bottle

  1. Mix 2 Tbsp. peroxide with 2 Tbsp. tap water in a small container.  Discard each time, do not save mixture.
  2. Use Q-tips and peroxide solution to clean all blood and material from the incisions.  DO NOT leave any crusts or blood on the stitched areas.  Repeat a minimum of 4-5 times per day.  Clean incisions from side to side, not up & down.
  3. Cover ALL incisions and abrasions with a thin layer of ointment – DO NOT allow ANY areas to dry out or scab over.
  4. Do not apply any bandages or other materials to the surgical area unless otherwise instructed.

PLEASE REPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TO OUR OFFICE

  1. Sudden or excessive bleeding, swelling or bruising.
  2. Any itching, rash or reaction to medications.
  3. Fever, temperature over 100 degrees (taken orally).
  4. Discharge from the incisions (other than blood).
  5. ANY INJURY to the face.

FAITHFUL ADHERENCE TO PRE-OPERATIVE AND POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS WILL HELP TO MINIMIZE SWELLING, PAIN AND DISCOMFORT.  IF YOU DO HAVE PROBLEMS, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT OUR OFFICE FOR ASSISTANCE. Institute of Facial and Oral Surgery office Phone Number (703) 729-0077
THANK YOU!!!!

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