After Blepharoplasty

Drooping eyelids, called as “Blepharoptosis” or “Ptosis” can significantly affect one or both the eyes and can considerably cover the pupil and iris. This can obstruct the vision. To correct this problem, many people are opting to undergo Eye bag plastic surgery or Blepharoplasty that can remove the excess skin from upper eyelids, corrects drooping and sagging eyelids, and fat pouches under the eyes. The surgery gives your eyes a young and rejuvenated look. Here we discuss the recovery period after blepharoplasty. WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED AFTER SURGERY? As with any other procedure, there will be mild to moderate pain or discomfort post-surgery. This can be well managed with oral pain medications which are sufficient for pain control. The pain and discomfort will decrease within 48 hours after surgery. rnSwelling and bruising will not occur on the day of surgery but the patient might observe the symptoms on the second day. There is nothing to panic, as these symptoms are completely normal. Sensitivity to light and tearing is quite common after the surgery. This usually lasts for about a short period. The patient is recommended to wear sunglasses unless the patient has opted for a rhinoplasty as a part of the surgery. YOU SHOULD CALL THE SURGEON OR STAFF IN THE FOLLOWING CASES: • Any vision changern• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the site of incisionrn• Temperature elevation exceeding 100.0 degrees. • Increase in pain despite taking pain medications If you notice any of the above changes, do not hesitate in consulting the surgeon or the medical staff at the hospital. CARE FOR YOURSELF DURING AND AFTER SURGERY Try and make arrangements for someone to drive you to and from the surgery. It is also highly recommended that you can have someone stay with you at least on the first night. On a safer note, fill your prescriptions before the surgery so that you will not have to worry about it after surgery. Make sure to wear and carry loose comfortable clothing, preferably button or zip tops rather than a pull over the head. Pain medications or any antibiotics should be taken as prescribed by the surgeon. Do not take any anti-inflammatory compounds or aspirin without consulting the surgeon or the medical staff. If you smoke, avoid it for at least two weeks before the surgery and two weeks after the surgery. Smoking or chewing tobacco inhibits the circulation and hence compromise your surgical outcome. To minimize swelling, use clean cool compress or ice wrapped in a dry cloth. You can apply these to the closed eyes four to six times a day for the first 24 hours post-surgery. For the first week after the surgery, sleep with your head elevated. There will appear some crusting around your eyes after the first 24 hours. You can apply a warm clean compress to the area several times a day to alleviate the crusting. You may be prescribed a lubricating ointment to punt into your eyes at bedtime. Your vision might get blurred after you apply this ointment the first time, but this is temporary. If your eyes get dry, you can also use teardrops only after consulting your surgeon. Usually, surgeons use dissolvable sutures, which will disappear on their own within a week. If the surgeons use non-dissolvable sutures, they will be removed within a week after the surgery. For a minimum of 3 weeks, you should avoid vigorous exercise or any physical exertion like straining or lifting. Doing so could disrupt the wound healing. Take it easy for a few weeks. While bathing, do not let the spray directly hit the surgical area. Do not wash, massage or rub the eyelids. RECOVERY TIMETABLE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY: The approximate recovery after blepharoplasty is as follows: DAY 1: When you return home you might have mild discomfort. Use cool compresses for 24 hours to reduce mild bruising and swelling. DAY 2-3: Bruising and swelling might increase with some crusting on the eyelashes. For the crusting use warm compresses. DAY 5-7: During this time stitches will be removed or get dissolved. Bruising will begin to go away. WEEK 1-4: The eyes might get teary and irritated.