Post-Operative Instructions for Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery can be one of the most rejuvenating facial cosmetic procedures. Your eyelid surgery may consist of both upper and lower lids, or be limited to upper of lower separately. Bruising and swelling are common with this procedure. Serious complications are quite rare. The patient has much control over how he or she will heal.

Bleeding behind the eye after eyelid surgery can be very serious. It is extremely rare for this to happen and should not be confused with minor oozing from suture lines. The main reason bleeding occurs is from patients elevating their blood pressure by bending, lifting, straining, coughing, sneezing, straining, and other strenuous activities. Patients may have swelling and blurry vision but should always be able to see light and count fingers. If a patient experiences severe stabbing pain behind the eye or has abrupt vision changes, please call Dr. Morrissette immediately.

To avoid complications from bleeding, we ask that you refrain from activities that may increase your blood pressure or bleeding for 10 days after your surgery. We ask you to elevate your head for the first 48 hours after surgery and just relax!

Please refrain from taking any drugs that may prolong bleeding.

To lessen swelling, cold compresses such as a small ice pack are recommended around the eye area 48 hours after surgery.

It is fine to shower the day after your surgery. Be gentle when washing and drying the face. Do not disrupt the suture lines.

Although most suture lines require no special care, some patients feel better when they wipe the lines gently with a Q tip with peroxide and apply Neosporin once or twice a day. This is not required.

Take all prescribed medications as directed by our office.

Some patients will experience dry eyes. You can purchase nonprescription eye drops at your local pharmacy. We recommend Refresh Eye Drops for daytime and Refresh Plus Eye Drops for nighttime.

As the healing progresses, bruising may change from blue to purple to yellow and spread around the eyes. This is all to be expected. Some patients will have the white of their eye turn red or pink and this is not a problem.

The sutures we use are dissolvable and removal is not needed. The sutures dissolve within 7 to 10 days. Incisions lines can look uneven and bumpy for the first several weeks after surgery, but generally heal better than any scar on the body. Don’t be too picky or worry the first few weeks after your surgery. Relax and let the healing process take place. Remember, you will look worse before you look better!

Call Dr. Morrissette is on call 24 hours and can be reached at 805.648.2591 with any questions.