Postoperative instructions: Eyelid Surgery

It is important to read the general postoperative instruction sheet also. These plastic surgery postoperative instructions or cosmetic surgery postoperative instructions are meant to be as thorough and complete as possible. However please don’t hesitate to call for any questions or concerns!

“Simple Yet Strict”

Recovering from eyelid surgery can be surprisingly easy. Follow the simple instructions provided by Dr. Saunders. Yet these instructions are strict. They should be followed closely. These instructions are based on decades of experience. Please follow the instructions carefully and maximize your chance of healing uneventfully! No smoking, nicotine patches or nicotine gum until further notice! This is extremely important!

Head elevation:

It is very important to keep the head elevated at all times. This includes sleeping. This can be done in a lounge chair or in bed with multiple pillows. Please maintain at least a 45° angle. Head elevation is important to minimize bruising and swelling and to aid healing.

Rest and relax: “Whisper”

The word “whisper” is trying to convey a concept. The face heals best in an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Many activities can lead to elevation of the blood pressure in the head and increase bruising and swelling. This can delay healing. Any type of bearing down can lead to increased blood pressure in the head. Please avoid straining, lifting, loud speech, and of course yelling and screaming. Although not easy, please avoid coughing, sneezing or vomiting. In general, try and rest and relax to promote healthy healing, minimize problems and to speed resolution of bruising and swelling.

Eyes closed:

The eyes heal best when closed. In our busy lives is not easy but if you want to heal the quickest and with the least chance of problems try to keep the eyes closed as much as possible. Avoid too much computer or watching of TV or movies. Audiotapes, audio books and music are strongly recommended.

Icing of eyes:

Constant cold compresses are recommended for the best healing of the eyes. Please purchase a reusable, freezable eye mask or gel pad. These are available at most drugstores. Icing of the eyes is done with a basin of water or saline and ice cubes. Clean washcloths are dipped into the ice cold water. They are then wrapped around the gel pad and placed onto the eyes.

Eyelid massage: Important

This is for lower eyelids only. Dr. Saunders will show you how this is done. Please start the day after surgery and perform this 3 to 4 times a day.

Dr Saunders’ Cell 302-584-8407 (Texting Preferred)

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