Post-Operative Care

First 24-48 Hours

The first two days after surgery are the most critical period for recovery. Please observe the following guidelines:

• Cold compresses: Apply clean cloth-wrapped ice packs or cold gel packs over the eyes for the first 48 hours. Apply for 15-20 minutes, then rest for 15-20 minutes. Cold compresses help reduce swelling and bruising.
• Keep your head elevated: Use extra pillows to keep your head elevated while sleeping and resting. Elevation reduces blood flow to the face and helps control swelling.
• Avoid touching the eyes: Do not touch, rub, or scratch the surgical area. Keep your hands clean to minimize the risk of infection.
• Pain management: Mild discomfort or tightness is normal after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medication as directed. If you experience severe pain, contact your doctor immediately.

Medications and Wound Care

Using your prescribed medications correctly and consistently is essential for proper healing:

• Antibiotic drops or ointment: Apply the prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment at the recommended frequency and duration to prevent infection.
• Pain relievers: Use the prescribed pain medication as needed. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen (which increase bleeding risk) unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
• Artificial tears: Dryness or irritation may occur after surgery. Preservative-free artificial tear drops help keep the eyes moistened and comfortable.
• Application technique: When applying eye drops, use clean hands, tilt your head back slightly, gently pull the lower lid down, and instill the drop. Avoid touching the dropper tip to the eye.

First Week

During the first week, swelling and bruising will be at their most noticeable. This is normal and will gradually improve:

• Swelling and bruising peak: Swelling typically peaks on days 2-3 and then begins to subside progressively. Bruising largely resolves within 7-14 days.
• Suture removal: Non-absorbable sutures are generally removed 5-7 days after surgery. If absorbable sutures were used, removal may not be necessary. Your doctor will assess at the follow-up appointment.
• Showering and washing: Avoid washing your face for the first 24-48 hours. Afterward, you may gently clean your face without directing water onto the surgical area. When washing your hair, tilt your head back to keep water away from the eyelids.

Activity Restrictions

During the recovery period, the following activities should be avoided:

• Heavy lifting and bending: Avoid heavy lifting and bending forward for at least 2 weeks. These movements increase pressure around the eyes and can cause swelling or bleeding.
• Swimming and sauna: Avoid pools, ocean water, and saunas for at least 4 weeks. Heat and chlorine can negatively affect wound healing.
• Sun exposure: Protect the surgical area from direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses and use sunscreen for at least 6 weeks. UV exposure can worsen scarring.
• Contact lenses: Do not wear contact lenses for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will advise when lens use can resume.
• Eye makeup: Avoid applying makeup around the eyes for at least 2 weeks. Cosmetic products can increase the risk of infection.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. Alcohol can increase swelling and may interact with certain medications.

Return to Normal Activities

Recovery times vary between individuals, but the general timeline is as follows:

• 7-10 days: Most patients can return to desk work and office environments. Sutures have been removed and noticeable swelling has decreased.
• 2-3 weeks: Physically demanding tasks can be resumed gradually. Most bruising will have resolved.
• 4-6 weeks: Sports and strenuous physical activities can be resumed. Full healing requires this period.

These are general estimates. Individual healing rates may differ. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding return to activities.

Follow-Up Schedule

Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring healing progress. The typical schedule is:

• Week 1: Suture check, wound healing assessment, and suture removal (if applicable).
• Month 1: General assessment of the recovery process, evaluation of swelling and scar formation.
• Month 3: Interim evaluation of the surgical result. Residual swelling should have resolved and scars will be noticeably fading.
• Month 6: Final result evaluation. By this stage, healing is largely complete and the surgical outcome is established.

Emergency Signs

Contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following: