Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery involves very little pain. The most patients have taken is two doses of the prescribed pain medication. After that they able to handle whatever pain, they have with plain or extra strength acetaminophen.
The most important issue in postoperative care for blepharoplasty is the avoidance of bleeding deep in the tissues. In order to achieve that patient should not put pressure in the face and therefore avoid lifting and they should not strain while having a bowel movement. It is of utmost importance to use the given ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours.
The incisions are closed in a manner that avoids piercing the skin and creating marks on the outside. Proline is the material used because it slips out easily at one week. However, the wound will take 24 to 48 hours to be sealed and avoid bacterial contamination. For that reason, Steri strips are applied and can be removed at two days.
Once the Proline sutures are removed at 5 to 7 days patients may apply make-up lightly on the incision itself and in the areas of bruising around the eyes.
Aside for the above-mentioned issues relating to bleeding there are no restrictions. Sport activity can be resumed at three weeks.
Scar is maximal at six weeks and on occasion patient will develop milia. These are white tiny bubbles the result of occlusion of oil glands naturally present in the eyelid, they can be temporarily occluded due to the scarring that occurs around them.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
There are two approaches to lower eyelid surgery one where there is an incision exclusively in the inside of the eyelid and the other one where an incision is made through the skin below the lower eyelid lashes.
The most important issue regarding blepharoplasty is the avoidance of bleeding. Ice pack are used for 24 to 48 hours. Patients do not lift anything heavy and avoid straining while having bowel movement. This why a stool softener is prescribed.
In case the incision is entirely inside the eyelid an antibiotic appointment is placed 2 to 3 times a day over the incision itself. If there is an incision on the outside of the lid right below the eyelashes an antibiotic ointment is applied to seal the wound.
If a chemical peel has been performed in order to tighten the eyelid and diminish the fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid very little special care is needed. The skin will be completely peeled between seven and 10 days leaving a refreshed firmer skin. Vaseline ointment is all what is needed for the care of that skin until it peels completely. After the skin has peeled sunscreen is a must to avoid pigmentation in the area. The skin is sensitive to the sun as long as it is pink or red.
Sometimes this maneuver is not sufficient to correct the ear deformity. So, looking at the ear from the back will uncover the next issue; it is the large “cupping “of the ear. Many procedures aim at rotating that cup towards the skull. I prefer resectioning the cartilage to a more acceptable size. In doing so I ensure that the deformity will not relapse. At times complete ear reshaping requires attention to the ear lobe as well to reach the desired result.
For more information take a look at the procedure video Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Procedure Video. If you have any questions please give use a call at 847.297.8001 or Simply fill out the form below and one of our patient coordinators we’ll get back with you as soon as possible.
