After The Procedure


After Lower Eyelid Surgery

 

Length of Procedure: 1 to 1.5 hours but may take longer if other procedures are also being done at the same time.

AFTER SURGERY

  1. Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. Discomfort during recovery is often a sign of overexertion.
  2. Rest and sleep in a reclined position at approximately 45 degrees. Use ice packs, frozen finely broken up peas or corn constantly for at least the first 3 days, 15 minutes on 15 minutes off. Do not put ice directly onto skin because you will have decreased sensitivity.
  3. Avoid direct exposure of incision to sunlight for at least 6 weeks, apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) to the area of the incision if you will be in the sun for extended periods of time.
  4. Do not smoke for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
  5. Do not use aspirin-containing products for at least 1 week. You ma take Tylenol or pain medication as prescribed.
  6. Do not apply any cosmetics for the first 5 days. The day after surgery start applying hydrocortisone 1% to swollen area for 1 week twice a day.
  7. Do not put any ointments or creams on incision lines unless instructed by Joseph T Cruise, MD. You should start applying ScarLess® on your incisions seven days after surgery. ScarLess® is a prescription strength cream with vitamin E, silicone and Hydrocortisone to help minimize redness and elevation of the scars. You can purchase ScarLess® at our office.
  8. Do not do any strenuous aerobic activity for 4 weeks after surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT AS YOU RECOVER

  1. Immediately after lower eyelid surgery, some patients feel groggy or nauseous. These feelings normally subside by the next day.
  2. Post surgical swelling may temporarily cause the look of unevenness, skin changes, hard spots, and ridges.
  3. Most bruising will fade after the second week. After the first week much of the remaining discoloration can be concealed with a cream-based cosmetic.
  4. Most stitches will dissolve within 7 days.
  5. Pink scars will eventually fade to an unnoticeable color.
  6. Your healing incision lines may itch a little. Avoid scratching them. Apply hydrocortisone.
  7. Remember not to put ice or anything hot directly onto skin because you may have decreased awareness of temperature damage.

WHEN TO CALL US

Post surgical complications are rare and are often easily solved by the doctor if you notify us. Call us if you experience any of the following: a temperature of 101 or higher, increased local redness or warmth, chest pain, shortness of breath, legs swelling, calf pain or if you feel that anything might be wrong. Please call the office@ 949-644-4808 within regular business hours, or page Joseph T Cruise, MD after business hours @ 714-304-8050.

POST-OP VISITS AND CARE SUMMARY

Concern Instructions
Fluid Collection
  1. The evening after surgery it is important to look if one eye is significantly firmer and swollen than the other. This might represent a blood collection.
Constipation
  1. If you are constipated at day 2 stop taking Vicodin or Darvocet.
  2. Encourage walking, drink a lot of fluids, consider laxative (Ex-lax or Correctol).
Fever
  1. Make sure to cough and deep breaths as fever is usually in lungs for the first 3 days after surgery.
Activity
  1. You can take a cool shower the day after. Make sure you have someone helping you. Apply generous amounts of both shampoo and conditioner. Gently wash the entire face with soap and water. Do not try to remove all blood with the first washing. Reapply garment after shower.
  2. Walk every hour while awake for the first day and then every 2 hours.
  3. Sleep at 45 degree angle for the first 5 nights.
  4. Regarding exercise: If it hurts don't do it. Wait for your body to tell you what you can do.
  5. You can start exercising at about 4 weeks.
Wound Care
  1. Keep surgical area clean and dry at all times.
  2. Start applying ScarLess® at one week