Recovery and follow-up care after lower eyelid surgery
Upper eyelid surgery tends to heal a little more quickly than lower eyelid surgery. After the procedure the skin around your eyes will feel slightly taut. Our plastic surgeons use a bipolar diathermy operative technique that minimises haematoma formation. Yet, despite this, there may be some local bruising and swelling. This normally resolves within a week. You may experience eye irritation after the procedure. This is nothing to be concerned about. If you have thin skin, the redness may take somewhat longer to subside.
Factors that affect recovery from eyelid surgery
Rest
It is important that you rest for at least 48 hours after the procedure. During this period we recommend that you walk around a bit every hour or so. This is good for the circulation and helps to accelerate wound healing.
Exertion
You should avoid pushing, lifting and bending for 2 weeks after the surgery.
Showering
You can take your first shower 24 to 36 hours after your surgery. The plasters on your eyelids should not get wet. When you shower, make sure the water is not too hot. This can cause swelling in the tissue that has been operated on.
Contact lenses and makeup
You must not wear contact lenses for 2 weeks after the surgery. You should also avoid wearing eye makeup for the first 2 weeks.
Alcohol, smoking and aspirin
Not smoking will help speed up the healing process. It is also important to avoid alcohol and medication that contains aspirin for the first week after the surgery.
Sun
It is best to protect the scars from exposure to direct sunlight. We recommend that you wear sunglasses. If you use a sunbed, make sure the area around your eyes is protected.
Information evenings
You will be provided with detailed information about eyelid surgery.
Follow-up care
Our nurse will arrange to call you the day after your surgery. We will want to know how you feel. Your first follow-up appointment will be scheduled a week after the procedure. During the appointment the area affected by the surgery is examined and the stitches are removed.
We will schedule another appointment for you 3 months later so the plastic surgeon can perform a final check-up. It will then be possible to determine whether the eyelid surgery achieved the desired result.
We will book your next appointment with you each time you leave the clinic. We also offer evening and weekend appointments if this is more convenient.
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