Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): postoperative care
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021
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Patients are prescribed rest until the end of the day, preferably in a position on the back with two pillows. In the daytime, ice packs are continuously used; several times a day, an ophthalmic ointment is applied to the incisions. Pain is minimal and is facilitated by acetaminophen or acetaminophen with codeine. Patients should not watch television or read for the first 24 hours. Patients who are familiar with regular physical labor should also avoid physical exertion. Concerning the peculiarities of postoperative behavior, men should be especially warned. The surgeon and his staff should be available for any questions from the patient, his family members and carers.
When Prolene is used to close wounds, the sutures are removed on the fourth day after the operation. Other sutures are removed depending on their individual characteristics. Silk seams should be removed from the eyelids in 24 hours to prevent the formation of seam tunnels and labels. Nylon can also leave labels if it is in the tissue for more than 3 days. The reaction to Prolene is rare. During the removal of stitches, the wound should be carefully inspected for the slightest discrepancy or divergence of its edges. Any of these conditions requires "ruffling" the edges of the wound and the replacement of the sutures for another 24-48 hours. The lateral edge of the wound, as it in many cases continues on the face, beyond the orbit, can become noticeable. This is due to the difference in the thickness of the skin of the eyelid and the skin of the face outside the edge of the orbit. The lateral part of the incision will not be noticeable if one does not pay much attention to this after the operation. In any case, even if the wound looks fine when removing the stitches on the 4th day, it is necessary to additionally strengthen it with 3-mm adhesive surgical strips or surgical glue for another 24-48 hours. Patients can apply cosmetics on the upper eyelid six days after the operation. Easy physical activity can begin after 10 days and gradually reach full load after 4 weeks. Patients should avoid direct exposure to sunlight for 6 weeks.