Eyelid Lift Surgery Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEFORE EYELID LIFT SURGERY

1.    To prepare for your Eyelid Lift surgery or Blepharoplasty you need to fill all your prescriptions prior to surgery, including Extra strength Tylenol.  You may switch over to these when you no longer need the prescription pain medications. 
 
2.    You can shower or bathe the night before or the morning of your eyelid lift surgery.  You should not use deodorant, perfume, body lotion, jewelry or contact lenses the morning of your surgery.  It is also important that you do not wear mascara for 2 days before surgery. Remove any metal piercings, such as earrings, bellybutton rings, etc., before coming to the office. You may replace them when you get home.  It is preferable to wear dark, comfortable clothing (gym attire is appropriate) and flat, comfortable shoes.  Shirts that button or zip in front is also preferable to shirts you have to pull over your head.
 
3.    You must have a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you the night of your eyelid lift surgery.  It is a good idea to bring a pillow and a blanket for your comfort during your ride home.
 
4.    You cannot drive home after your eyelid lift surgery.  You should not plan to travel by public transportation (bus, train or taxi). 
 
5.    You must not eat or drink anything, including water, gum or candy, after midnight before surgery.  You may brush your teeth and rinse with water and/or mouthwash.
 
 
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFTER EYELID LIFT SURGERY


1.  Remembering that your Eyelid Lift surgery was done after you not   having to eat or drink since the night before, you should eat a light after your surgery.  It is much more important to drink fluids (water, Gatorade, V-8, apple juice) if you are having trouble eating solids.  Jell-O, chicken broth and toast are good starters.
 
2.  If you have not urinated within six hours of surgery please call Dr. Diehl.
 
3.  You must get up and walk around the house the night of surgery and several times a day subsequently to keep up the circulation in your legs. Eyelid Lift surgery can cause temporary numbness, swelling and bruising in the surgical area which is a normal part of the recovery process.  It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the operative sites.  You should refrain from bending over or trying to lift heavy items to prevent building pressure in the face.  You should also try to sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
 
4.  For the next 24 hours: do not drink alcoholic beverages, do not make important decisions or sign any legal documents, do not operate any mechanical and do not operate electrical equipment.
 
5. Take your medications as prescribed.
 
6.  Eyelid lift is not painful surgery.  Prescription pain medications frequently cause nausea as a side effect.  If you are experiencing nausea cut back on those and you should try taking Tylenol instead every 6 hours.  You can call the office so that Dr. Diehl can change your prescription pain medication to an alternate.  Remember that people react differently to the various pain medications.
 
7. You may shower 24 hours after your eyelid lift surgery.  Oozing is common for a day     or two.  Replace a small gauze pad as often as necessary.  You may use Q-tips to gently clean around your eyelid area with warm water.
 
8. Blurred vision is not unusual for a few days after your eyelid lift surgery.  Eye-drops will help any irritation, especially in the mornings.
 
9.   Eyelid lift can give you temporary swelling, numbness and bruising which is a normal part of the recovery process.  It is important that you do not apply heat or ice to the operative sites, unless Dr. Diehl has instructed you to do so.  You may apply make-up after the stitches are removed. 
 
10.  Dr. Gregory Diehl’s office will give you an appointment for a follow up a few days after your eyelid lift surgery.
 
11.  If you have any questions call Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon located in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, Long Island at 631-476-7300.