Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty

You must expect swelling, bruising and some discomfort!

Immediately Following Surgery

• Following surgery it would be best to keep your head elevated for a few days to reduce swelling.  This may reach its maximum 48 hours after surgery.  Cold compresses can also help. (Place crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap gauze around.  This will prevent your tapes from getting wet.) The surgeon will normally apply some suture strips or steri-strips as support to the eyelids after surgery and if these become crusted they can be replaced.
• There may be some discomfort following surgery and prescribed painkilling medication or Paracetamol may be taken as instructed on the packet.
• Do not take drugs such as Aspirin or Nurofen as these occasionally cause unwanted bleeding following the surgery.
• Ensure you take your antibiotics as prescribed and apply topical ointment and eye drops as instructed.
• Cleaning the eyes with warm sterile water is useful and the surgeon may advise the use of eye drops.

First week to 3 months post surgery

• The sutures are usually removed after 5 to 7 days and soon after you will be able to use make-up. Sometimes you will be advised to use the suture strips or steri-strips as support to the lower eyelids for a week or so.
• The closure of the eyes appears tight after surgery because of the swelling and because skin has been removed. If closure is not complete at night the patient should apply some eye ointment before going to sleep. This sensation will settle as the swelling goes down.
• The eyes appear watery after surgery, partly because of swelling under the conjunctiva (chemosis) and partly because the tear ducts are swollen and do not drain as readily. This will last a few weeks.
• Although there is bruising it can quite readily be disguised with make-up and dark glasses. The scars will be pink for a few months, but eventually they become almost invisible.

Warning signs and symptons:

• increased pain
• blurring of vision
• excessive swelling

If any of the above occur, please call the numbers below for advice as soon as possible.  If you have any other problems or are concerned in anyway, please telephone The Wentworth Clinic on 01202 428773 or 01202 422171

• Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
  Physically healthy men and woman who are psychologically stable and realistic about expectations. Generally they are over the age of 35, however, if droopy or baggy eyes run in your family then you may decide upon surgery at an earlier age.
• How long does the procedure take?
  Eyelid surgery usually takes from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery being performed, ie. upper eyelids only, or both upper and lower eyelids (known as eye bag removal).
• How long will the healing process take?
  Healing is a gradual process and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more.  Eventually they will become almost invisible.
• Is the procedure permanent?
  The results achieved following eyelid surgery last for years, and for many are permanent.