After Cosmetic Eye Surgery

Care of Incisions

Gently clean incisions with cotton swabs soaked in hydrogen peroxide and then apply a thin layer of eye ointment with a cotton swab 3 times a day (or more if needed), beginning the evening of surgery through the following 1-2 weeks, until otherwise instructed.

Gently rinse eyes with eye saline solution upon waking through the first 1-2 weeks, until otherwise instructed.

While awake, moisturize eyes with saline or eye drops as needed.

Apply ice water soaked gauze or clean washcloth to eyes continuously for the first 2-3 days following surgery and frequently thereafter as needed for mild swelling.

Keeping the incisions and eyes lubricated with ointment and drops is essential to ensure proper and normal healing.

Activity

You may shower (using warm, not HOT water) avoiding direct spray of water on the face or around the incisions the first day after surgery.

Keep upper body elevated following surgery. Sleep on back and elevated 30-40 degrees. Sleeping in a recliner is ideal. Sleep elevated for approximately two weeks and on your back for approximately two months.

Avoid straining or any activity that causes a feeling of pressure in the face and eyes. No bending.

Check with your doctor before resuming any physical activities, including driving.

Avoid rubbing face and eyes, sleeping on incisions, etc.

Avoid wearing contact lenses until approved by your doctor.

Avoid sun exposure as much as possible; wear a hat and sunglasses when in direct sunlight.

Diet

Begin with bland foods (clear liquids, broth, etc.) and advance as tolerated.

Resume a well-balanced diet including protein and high fiber foods.

Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine; these will dramatically slow the healing process.

Increase fluids such as water and fruit juices (with the exception of citrus fruits) the day of surgery.

Medications

Take antibiotic as directed by your prescription (on medication bottle).

Take pain medication as directed (avoid driving or consuming alcohol while taking prescription pain medicine).

If pain is mild, you may take extra strength acetaminophen per manufacturer’s directions.

Do not take any products containing ibuprofen in place of pain medicine.

Take stool softener as directed beginning the evening of surgery.

Occasionally, you may encounter a sore throat due to anesthesia. Lozenges will relieve this discomfort.

Please check with your doctor before resuming any medications taken on a regular basis.

What to Expect

Some bruising and swelling is normal as well as a small amount of oozing along the incision lines.

There may be a feeling of tightness in and around the eyes that will improve with time.

An antibiotic ointment is placed in the eyes immediately after surgery; therefore, your vision may be blurred for a short while.

Occasionally a patient will run a low fever (about 100 degrees). Please notify us if it persists longer than 24 hours or if it goes higher than 100 degrees.

Many patients have some periods of discouragement or mild depression after cosmetic surgery. It is natural to be concerned when your face is swollen and bruised.

Resuming social activities and returning to work depends on the level of physical activity. The average patient goes back to work or social activities in 7 to 14 days.

After all stitches have been dissolved or removed, the scars may appear a deep pink color. There will be a varying amount of swelling in and around the scars themselves. With the passage of time, the pink will become white, the firmness of the scar will soften and they will become less noticeable. Each individual varies with respect to healing, but it takes approximately one year for these changes to occur in most scars.

As with all surgeries there may be side effects. Our doctor and staff are available 24/7.

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Denville Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Changing Faces, Changing Lives
Facial Reconstruction and Facial Cosmetic Procedures

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