POST OPERATIVE ADVICE SHEET

BLEPHAROPLASTY

1)      You should arrange for someone to drive you home from hospital and to stay with you for the first night following your discharge from hospital.

2)      You will experience mild to moderate discomfort after your surgery and it is recommended that you take one or two pain relieving tablets (such as Paracetamol) on a regular basis for the first week or so.  DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR ANY PRODUCTS CONTAINING ASPIRIN as this may prolong or cause bleeding in the early post operative period.

3)      There maybe considerable swelling and bruising following surgery, though this should settle over the first two or three weeks.  To minimise swelling and bruising around your eyelids you are advised to sit up right throughout the day and prop yourself up with several extra pillows at night for the first two weeks post operatively.

4)      It is important to rest as much as possible for the first 48 hours after surgery, after which you can recommence gentle activities and household chores, but should refrain from exercising for at least two weeks. You will be expected to move around the home as much as possible and not lie in bed for protracted periods. 

5)      You should avoid getting the wounds or dressings wet for the first week. 

6)      Depending on the technique I have used you may or may not have sutures to be removed.  If you have, arrangements will be made for you to see the nurse about 5 days post operatively for these to be removed.

7)      Once the wounds have healed and they have been inspected by the nurse you will be advised that you may recommence bathing and washing of the scars.  Until this point, you should avoid getting your wounds wet.  You should avoid using make up for at least one week post operatively.

8)      Provided that your eyes are fully open and your vision is not impaired you may recommence driving after 48 hours.

9)      I would have advised that it is important to stop smoking prior to your operation in order to reduce the risks of complications.  Once your wound has healed it is safe to recommence smoking if you wish to do so.  You should however, avoid smoking for the first two weeks post operatively.

10)  Following surgery, the type of job that you do determines when you can return to work.  If you mainly confined to deskwork, you may feel able to return to work after one week.  More physical occupations may require three weeks of recuperation before you feel able to return to work. 

11)  The scar will take time to mature.  Over the first six weeks your scar will become stronger and stronger and by week six it will be as strong as it will ever be.  During those first six weeks the scar will pretty much look after itself.  It may take up to six months this swelling and lumpiness to resolve. By week six you should commence moisturising and massaging this scar, with E45 cream and rubbing quite vigorously in circular motions, for five minutes morning and evening for the first three months the aim being to soften the scar and speed up final scar maturation.   The delicate scar tissue is at greater risk of sunburn if exposed to the sun, therefore, you are advised to avoid sun exposure to any scar tissue for the first six weeks of healing, after this if the area is to be exposed to sunlight you should apply sun protection factor 15 or greater sun block to exposed scar tissue.

12)  Though most people experience uneventful post operative recovery, if you develop any of the following you should contact the ward on the telephone number printed below :

a.      Temperature greater than 38.5°

b.      Severe pain not alleviated by simple painkillers

c.      Fresh bleeding from the wound, other than a minor ooze

d.      Any wound discharge after 48 hours

e.      Any disturbance of vision

f.        Excessive swelling, particularly of the lower eyelids

g.      Any irritation of the eyeball where it feels scratched

h.      If you feel something sticking into your eye