Blepharoplasty

Eye Lid Surgery

Blepharoplasty Questions

Will I need any more visits before surgery?
It is highly recommended that you meet with Dr. Spring at least one more time before your surgery to answer any questions and review the procedure. You will also need to have a “History & Physical Exam” a few weeks before surgery which will be done by Dr. Spring (or it may be done by your primary care physician). You will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions that day as we go over the procedure and all operative paperwork.  If you require medical clearance and lab tests before surgery, please plan on arranging for the appointments as soon as possible so that information is available for Dr. Spring to review at your final preoperative appointment.

Where will the procedure be done?
The procedure is usually done at Pend Oreille Surgery Center, an outpatient surgery center across the street from the office.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?
Most patients have general anesthesia and are completely asleep during the procedure. In some cases, the procedure may be done with deep sedation.

How long does the procedure take?
Blepharoplasty surgery lasts about 1-2 hours. The total time in the operating room may be 30-60 minutes longer than these times as you are prepared for surgery and awaken from anesthesia.

Will I go home the same day?
Yes, most patients are ready to go home 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you that night. If you are from out of town and would like to stay in the Sandpoint area overnight, please ask Dr. Spring’s staff about hotel options.  We also can provide you with the contact information for registered nurses who work at the surgery center and can provide you with overnight assistance in the event that you are traveling alone. 

How long does it take to recover from blepharoplasty surgery?
There is bruising and swelling for 7-14 days. Patients generally return to work 5-7 days. No computer, television or reading for 5 days. Full recovery is usually about six weeks to look and feel normal again.

What can I eat after surgery?
Start out with a soft diet and drink plenty of fluids.

When do I see the doctor for follow-up?
 Usually Dr. Spring will want to see you the next day following surgery, but it may be 4-5 days.

When can I drive?
You may drive one week after surgery, as long as you are off all pain medication.

Do I need to stop taking any medications prior to surgery?
Two weeks prior to surgery do not take any medications without approval from Dr. Spring. Medications including but not limited to Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen or Aleve should be discontinued. Vitamin E, herbal medications and diet medications containing Mahuang or Ephedra should also be discontinued. Avoid Garlic in your diet. Tylenol is okay to take for pain.

What medications will I need after surgery?
You will receive a prescription for a pill containing a narcotic/acetaminophen (Tylenol) combination. Three days after your surgery, you may also start using ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) which can be obtained before your procedure without a prescription. Most patients stop using the narcotic pills after 2 to 3 days and change over to acetaminophen alone or with ibuprofen or naproxen.  You will also be given a prescription for an anti-nausea suppository, which you can use if necessary.  Please follow all directions regarding medication use

How long will the swelling last? Swelling peaks at 48 hours. To reduce bruising and swelling, place a gauze pad over your eyes, then place a Ziplock bag filled with a handful of frozen peas over the gauze. You can also use a bowl full of ice water and dip a gauze into the bowl to cool, then place the gauze over your eyes.  Do this during waking hours. Do NOT put ice directly on eyes.   Keep your head elevated as much as possible, even while sleeping, to help improve swelling.

How long to I apply the frozen peas or cold gauze?
The first 72 hours or until swelling subsides. After this time, you may feel relief with the application of the frozen peas and it is certainly acceptable to continue using them, but not imperative. It is for your comfort.

In what position should I sleep after surgery?
For the first 3-5 days, you should sleep with your head higher than your heart.

When can I take a shower after surgery?
You can shower from the neck down after 48 hours. After your first follow-up, you may shower normally. Do not allow the shower stream to hit you in the face for about four weeks.  If there is crusting or scabbing you can GENTLY clean the area with a q-tip and dilute hydrogen peroxide.  Place antibiotic ointment on the incisions after showering and 3 times per day.

When can I use shampoo and conditioner?
After your first follow-up visit.

When can I wear facial lotion or make-up?
After 7-10 days. Do not put on incisions until they are fully healed.

My eyes are dry and itchy. Is there anything I can use for relief?
You can purchase Refresh PM (lubrication drops) from a drugstore.

When can I wear my contact lenses?
One week after surgery.

When can I start exercising?
Light walking is okay after your first follow-up. No lifting or bending for 6 weeks. You can start running/treadmill/sit-ups/golf at 4 -6 weeks, weight lifting at six weeks.

When can I go swimming? You can swim at 2 weeks. Apply sunscreen to your face, including incisions.

Can I sunbathe?
You can tan after 6 weeks when bruising subsides, although wearing sunscreen is recommended during any sun exposure. If scars are exposed to the sun, they may darken.  Use a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

When can I travel?
2 weeks after surgery. When flying or traveling in a car for a long period of time, get up and walk every hour.

How often will I need to come back after surgery?
Dr. Spring will see you within 3 days after surgery and again after 1 to 2 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, and after 3 to 4 months. If you would like to be seen at any other time, Dr. Spring will be happy to do so.

Will there be any sutures to remove after surgery?
There may be a few sutures to remove in the office, but most of the sutures are absorbable and placed underneath the skin.

What are my restrictions after surgery?
Light regular activity is allowed during the first week but should be limited if it causes discomfort. Avoid heavy straining or lifting more than 10 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk).   Do not drive if you are using narcotic pain medications. You may resume regular activity as tolerated after 2 weeks, but start slowly and stop if you feel discomfort.

How long before I can return to work?
Most patients can return to work in 7-10 days. You may cover up bruising with makeup at this time.

Will I need any therapy after surgery?
No, just be sure to start walking regularly the day after surgery to prevent stiffness.

What can I do to minimize scars after surgery?
Silicone gel sheets have been shown to improve scar appearance after surgery. Please refer to the enclosed Scar Information sheet for details.

When will I see the final results?
There may be changes for up to 3 months after surgery as swelling subsides.    Please remember, scars will continue to mature for up to a year or more.  Avoiding the sun, performing scar massage, hydrating the scars, continuing good nutrition and tincture of time are the best ways to improve the appearance of your scars!

 

 

Back to Top