Ten days prior to surgery, if safe to do so, stop regular aspirin to minimise the risk of bleeding (I would have discussed this with you at your initial consultation). Avoid using ibuprofen or other non steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
I would see you again immediately prior to surgery to allow you to ask any final questions. I usually perform eyelid surgery under local anaesthesia, which numbs the area around your eyes, sometimes with intravenous sedation. The initial 10 seconds of the injection sting before the eyelid becomes numb. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
If you are having general anaesthetic or sedation, a vein in the back of the hand has a needle inserted, after which there should be no pain at all.
After surgery, I lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anaesthesia wears off, but you can usually control any discomfort with paracetamol. If you feel any severe pain, call me immediately.
Post-operatively, I recommend you to keep your head elevated for several days, and use ice packs (10 minutes in every hour) to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies from person to person: it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month.)
The wound may ooze slightly, if there is profuse bleeding you should contact me. The stitches will usually be removed a week after surgery. Once they’re out, the swelling and discolouration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you’ll start to look and feel much better.
Most people feel ready to go out in public (and back to work) in a week to 10 days. By then, depending on your rate of healing, you’ll probably be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. You may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants for several weeks, so you should wear sunglasses and sunblock when you go out.
Keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It’s especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports. Minimise alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.
Healing is a gradual process, and your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more after surgery. Eventually, though, they’ll fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line.
