Blepharoplasty is a perfect solution for anyone with excess skin around their eyelids that often gives the impression of tired-looking eyes. Often referred to as upper eyelid surgery, the procedure is used for achieving a more youthful look and also helps improve obstructed vision problems. While most patients don’t face any complications and the recovery is relatively quick, it always helps to understand the recovery process and the aftercare instructions before undergoing the procedure.
Importance Of Post Surgery Care And Its Impact On Surgical Outcomes
Similar to other surgical procedures, proper post-operative care after upper eyelid surgery is really important. The skills and competence of the plastic surgeon is just one part of achieving the desired outcomes. The way the patients take care of themselves after surgery also plays an important role in how well they recover and what the final results look like.
If post upper eyelid surgery care tips are followed precisely, the patients can minimize any unnecessary pain and complications like swelling and infection.
If the patients fail to comply with the post-operative care instructions, it may increase the risk of developing some of the issues below:
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Bleeding from the sites of incisions
- Dry and irritated eyes
- Injury to the eye muscles
- Infection
- More noticeable scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Poor results that may call for a revision surgery
Understand The Procedure And Be Mentally Prepared
Just like it is important to take proper care after the procedure, the patients must also be mentally prepared to face whatever comes their way after the procedure. Understanding what upper eyelid surgery is like and what post-operative care is needed will help reduce anxiety and post-surgery blues. Before the surgery, you can also check with the medical professionals on photo references on post-surgery recovery so one can get an idea of the extend of swelling or bruising associated with the procedure.
For instance, patients should expect some level of blurriness and eye dryness during recovery. There’s nothing to panic about as the symptoms are common after Blepharoplasty and are mostly temporary. The temporary blurriness can also be caused by my eye drops which is necessary for initial recovery. Similarly, some itching is common and considered normal. This happens because the sensory nerves are disrupted during the procedure, and the recovery takes a few weeks. During this period, the patients feel like some tingling sensation on their skin and even develop feelings of electrical zings and itching.
Tips To Follow For Post Upper Eyelid Surgery Care
After the surgery, patients should follow these care tips to ensure proper healing and quick recovery.
Home Care After Surgery
Home Care after surgery is crucial in the recovery process after Blepharoplasty. To facilitate proper recovery, the doctors advise their patients to:
- Use ice packs on the eyes
- Gently clean the eyelids
- Use the prescribed ointments or eye drops
- Not rub the eyes
- Sleep with their head raised above the chest for a few days after surgery
- Avoid using contact lenses for a couple of weeks after the procedure
- Avoid smoking or use of nicotine patch
The patients are also advised to avoid certain medications including:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen sodium
Any supplements or medications that can cause bleeding, bruising or interfere with wound healing should be avoided. It is a good idea to review all the self mentioned above-care tips with the doctor a day before the procedure.
Avoid Direct Application Of Makeup Or Skincare On The Incisions
It is common for patients to return to their routine soon after the procedure. However, it is recommended to avoid using makeup or skincare products directly on their incisions. Many such products have ingredients that can cause irritation to their healing incisions. The makeup pigment and chemicals can seep into the healing wounds and lead to infection, skin irritation or other healing complications. That’s certainly not the result anyone would want to achieve from their upper eyelid surgery. So, it is advised to be patient and do not use makeup or regular skincare products on the freshly healing incisions. Makeup application can be resumed a week after the procedure or as and when your doctor deems fit.
Avoid Long Showers
The patients are allowed to take quick showers during initial recovery. They only need to ensure that they gently pat dry the eyelids if they come in contact with water. To be a bit more cautious, the patients should wash below the eyes gently using a soft washcloth or wipes. Dry shampoo can be used for hair too.
One must also avoid saunas, steam rooms, and long hot showers as exposure to such things elevates blood pressure and may cause unnecessary swelling.
When the doctor allows full showers, the patients should take a little extra care and use only mild products to wash their eyelids and shampoo their hair.
Be Patient
One must set realistic expectations about the procedure. It is important to understand the process of recovery beforehand and be patient so the eyelids have time to recover.
The eyelids may appear a bit puffy after the procedure. The incisions usually look red as well. It is also normal to expect bruising and swelling after the procedure. Generally, bruising and majority of the swelling subsides in 10 to 14 days after surgery, while the appearance of the eyelids continues to improve over the 1-3 months as remnant swelling dissipates.
Protect The Eyes
Protecting the eyes against sunlight, wind, and other external elements is important during the recovery phase. If the patients have to go out, it is recommended to wear dark sunglasses along with a hat to get the required protection. One should apply sunscreen and follow any other instructions from their doctor as well. Excessive sun exposure may cause skin discoloration where incisions are present.
Don’t Stress Or Strain
The patients must not strain their eyes when in recovery. They can watch TV, do leisure reading, and check emails for, at least, one week after the procedure. However, do give the eyes a break from time to time and do not strain them excessively during recovery.
Get Proper Sleep
The body heals better when a person is asleep. Apart from regular sleeping hours, take a nap whenever on is feeling tired. The focus should be on relaxation and recovery.
It is advised that one should sleep with their head raised above the heart level. Use 2-3 pillows while sleeping for the first week of recovery. It will help prevent surgical sites from accumulating fluid as well as reduce swelling around the eye area.
Don’t Indulge In Strenuous Activity
Any strenuous activity should be avoided for a few weeks after the procedure. Indulging in strenuous activities can lead to increased blood flow to the eyes and may result in bleeding. So, make sure not to lift heavy items, perform aerobics, or do an intensive workout. Light stretched and strolling around the house is recommended as improved blood circulation helps swelling to dissipate faster.
Eat Healthy
Eating healthy will help with a faster recovery. Patients should add vegetables and fruits to their diet during recovery, particularly dark leafy greens. Using foods like broccoli, red onions, apples and pineapples will help reduce swelling quickly. They provide the body with the essential vitamins that help with healing and fight infection. Consuming pineapple juice, for instance, also helps bring down swelling because of the bromelain it carries.
Take Antibiotics and Medication As Prescribed
For proper healing and to avoid any complications, it is important that the patients take antibiotics and medication as prescribed by the plastic surgeon. Skipping doses and making changes to the prescribed medication can lead to unwanted outcomes and slow down recovery.
Conclusion
Upper eyelid surgery can significantly improve one’s appearance and help them get rid of those puffy eyelids. It is important, however, to prepare well before surgery and set realistic expectations about the procedure as well as the recovery process. Following these simple tips will make recovery simple and straightforward and will also help achieve the desired results without any complications. Interested? Book an Appointment with us today!
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
