Eyelid Surgery- Post-operative Precautions

What Is Eyelid Surgery?

An eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty involves removing extra skin from the eyelids. As people age, their eyelids stretch, and the muscles that stabilize them become weaker. As a result, additional fat and skin may collect above and underneath the eyelids. This can cause drooping upper lids, sagging brows, and bags under the eyes. Aside from aging, sagging skin around the eyes can decrease the ability to see, particularly in the top and outer parts of the visual field. Blepharoplasty may completely fix or minimize these vision problems.

Why Is Eyelid Surgery Done?

Blepharoplasty may be suitable for:

• Upper eyelids that are baggy or drooping.

• Upper eyelid skin that is too thick and partially obstructs peripheral vision.

• Lower eyelid skin that is too thick.

• Under-eye bags.

How to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

It is challenging to prepare for eyelid surgery. Individuals must first have a preliminary appointment with a plastic surgeon to go over their worries and desired results for their eyelids.

Additionally, one should inquire about the credentials and surgical experience of the surgeon.

Before beginning this course of treatment, the surgeon will need to run a few tests. One should undergo a physical examination, and the eyes are examined and measured. There are other tests for vision and tears. Finally, to aid the doctor during the process, the eyelids will be photographed by the doctor.

Any medications one takes should be disclosed to the surgeon. This comprises:

• Prescription medications.

• Over-the-counter medications.

• Herbal supplements.

One will probably be told to stop taking any medications, including Warfarin or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), that put one at risk for bleeding. Additionally, one must give up smoking several weeks before the blepharoplasty.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Blepharoplasties are done as outpatient procedures. That indicates that one can leave for home soon after the surgery. Occasionally, general anesthesia is employed. A numbing substance will typically be injected into the eyelids by the doctor.

The upper eyelids are given attention initially. Here, the surgeon will create a small incision and trim any extra skin, muscle, and occasionally fat. Before the surgeon stitches up the incision, some of these tissues might be transferred to other eye-surrounding regions.

To treat under-eye bags, the lower lid blepharoplasty procedure frequently entails the removal of fat and a little piece of skin. The incision may be on the lower eyelashes or the outside of the eyelid either way. The lower eyelid may be constricted or fastened to the skeletal structure in some individuals.

What Are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?

There is a chance of bleeding, bruising, and infection with any operation. Blood clots are another uncommon but dangerous risk. Additional dangers and issues include:

• Hazy vision.

• Damage caused by prolonged sun exposure.

• Dry eyes.

• Irritation near the eyes.

• Not being able to close the eyes.

• Muscular harm.

• Scars.

It is crucial to discuss these risks in advance with the doctor. Inform the surgeon if individuals have ever experienced any issues following surgery.

How Does the Eyelid Appear Following a Day of Surgery?

• The biggest puffiness and discoloration will appear on the second day's morning. One eye frequently exhibits more significant swelling or discoloration than the other.

• The following issues are all common worries that will go after complete recovery:

  • Burning.

  • Tightness.

  • Itching.

  • Tingling.

  • Puffiness.

  • Watery eyes.

  • Bumpy, crimson incision lines.

• It is usual for there to be a tiny amount of bloody discharge from the incision. Individuals must call the clinic if they have fresh, crimson blood that saturates more than one gauze dressing pad every 10 to 20 minutes.

• If individuals have any, non-dissolvable sutures will be removed in five to nine days.

What Aftercare Steps Should Be Taken After Eyelid Surgery?

General Guidelines:

• If individuals had IV (intravenous) anesthesia, they will need a driver to take them home following surgery and help them for a few days.

• Get lots of sleep.

• Consume a healthy diet.

• Constipation may result from exercising less; therefore, one may wish to increase the fluid intake and include more fresh fruit in the diet.

• For three weeks following surgery, abstain from alcohol even if not taking painkillers. Alcohol makes the body retain fluid.

• Quit smoking. Smoking slows the healing process and raises the possibility of problems.

Other Guidelines During the First 24 to 48 Hours Following Surgery:

• Individuals are permitted to shower after 24 hours following surgery. The incision might become wet in the shower but try not to always run the water on it.

  • After taking a shower, pat the incisions dry. Never wipe. The incisions may unintentionally open as they heal.

  • Only use warm water.

• Sleep with the head raised on two to three pillows for the first two nights following surgery. One could choose to use a recliner as a bed.

• Add ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 48 hours following surgery.

• Avoid applying any essential oils to cuts.

Additional Instructions for Three to Seven Days Following Surgery:

• Clean the upper eyelid incision thrice daily with half peroxide and half water for three days, then switch to soap and water. Avoid getting solutions in the eyes. Before performing any wound care, remember to utilize excellent hand-washing methods.

• After each cleaning, apply the ophthalmic (eye) antibiotic ointment that individuals were given in the recovery area after surgery to the incisions on the upper and lower eyelids to soften the crusts for six days.

• Keep wounds exposed to air.

Additional Guidelines for Two Weeks to a Year Following Surgery:

• For two weeks after surgery, refrain from wearing contact lenses.

• After three weeks, when the incision is fully closed, healed, and pink, one can wear makeup and sunscreen.

• One month after surgery, individuals can use Retin-A/tretinoin or other anti-aging medications around their eyes.

• Avoid applying any essential oils to cuts.

• Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months.

• If exposure to the sun cannot be avoided, use a powerful sunscreen (sun protection factor 50 or above)

Conclusion:

Blepharoplasty is a procedure in which the lower, upper, or both eyelids are surgically altered. This operation is frequently carried out by a surgeon to improve sagging or drooping eyelids or to remove obstacles to vision. This operation may result in many risks following the procedure, necessitating intensive and comprehensive post-operative precautions to avoid such problems.