After your surgery:
- Use your prescription ointment as directed to keep the eyelids moist.
- Apply cold compresses (take clean washcloths soaked in ice water and rung out) 2-3 times per day for 48 hours after surgery. You do not have to get up in the middle of the night to apply compresses.
- It is OK to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses.
- It is important to rest during the first 3 to 4 days after your surgery:
- Let your doctor know if you are having nausea or cold symptoms. It’s important for you to avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting. These activities can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at your surgical sites.
- Avoid bending at the waist or lifting items heavier than 5 pounds for 2 weeks after your surgery. Talk with your surgeon before resuming activities such as lifting and exercise.
- Rest and sleep with your head raised with 2 to 3 pillows for a couple of days. This will help prevent swelling at your surgical sites.
- Your eyes may look swollen and/or bruised after surgery. The eyelid swelling is usually worse early in the morning and will get better during the day as you sit or walk. You may see swelling in your cheeks and jawline. This will start to get better 2 to 3 weeks after your surgery.
Showering and applying makeup
You may shower from the neck down any time after your surgery. Do not take full a shower until your surgeon tells you it is safe to do so. This is usually 5 days after surgery. Once you are cleared to take full showers you may wash your eyelids and shampoo your hair with mild products, such as baby shampoo.
Do not apply creams or make up (i.e., eye shadow, eye liner, mascara) to your surgical sites for 1 week after your surgery. You may use creams and makeup on the rest of your face.
Follow up
Your sutures (stitches) will be removed at your next appointment one week after surgery.
Call your Doctor or Nurse if you experience the following:
- A temperature of 101° F (38.3 C°) or higher
- Shaking or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Increased pain, swelling, or redness at your surgical sites, or continued drainage from the surgical sites
- Any unexplained or unexpected symptoms
If you have any questions or concerns please call your surgeon’s office at 541-754-1271
