4. EYELID SURGERY - AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS

AFTER SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

AFTER SURGERY
· You may feel sleepy or dizzy for a few hours after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia.
· The operated eye(s) will be red and your tears may be blood- tinged for a few days after surgery.
· There are sutures in the eyelid. Please do not tug or pull on these sutures.
· You will need to apply a prescribed antibiotic ointment on the sutures 4 times a day for 1 week.
The goal is to keep the sutures moist to decrease skin irritation.
· You may use artificial tears 4 times a day or more as needed to prevent dryness or irritation.

ACTIVITY
· You may take a shower tomorrow (the day after your surgery). Please be careful when you are
showering and try to limit water hitting the eyelids at high pressure.
· When washing the face, please be careful around the eyelids. Please do not rub the eyelids. You can
gently splash water on the eyelids. To dry the eyelids, gently dab or pat dry with a clean wash cloth.
· Refrain from any strenuous physical activity for 1 week. You should NOT do any heavy lifting (no more
than 10 pounds), and NO bending or straining.
· If possible, keep the head elevated with a few pillows when sleeping. This will help the eyelid swelling
resolve faster.
· You may use your eyes as you normally do (i.e. watch TV, read a book, use the computer, even drive if
you feel comfortable with the vision).

EYELID SWELLING/BRUISING
· Please keep in mind that EYELID SWELLING AND BRUISING WILL WORSEN THE FIRST 3 DAYS after surgery and will gradually improve within 1-2 weeks.
· FOR THE FIRST 3 DAYS AFTER SURGERY, please apply a cold compress (ie. cold gel pad, wash cloth) to the operated eyelid(s), alternating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off, while awake and as tolerated. Please take breaks when eating or as needed. No need to wake up to apply cold compresses when napping or sleeping.

PAIN
· You can take over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) according to the directions on the bottle to help with soreness.
· Do not exceed 3000mg (or 2000mg if you have liver disease) of acetaminophen (Tylenol) per day.
· If Tylenol is contraindicated or is not sufficient, you can take Advil, Ibupfrofen, or other over-the-counter pain medicine according to the instructions on the bottle.

DIET
· You may have clear liquids 30-60 minutes after surgery.
· You may progress to a regular diet if you do not have an upset stomach.
· If you vomit or have an upset stomach, stop eating. Wait 30-60 minutes, then try again with clear liquids.
· Avoid spicy, greasy, or "heavy" foods on the day of surgery.

Call the Eye Clinic at #615-905-6797 If:
· You have a temperature over 101F (38.5C).
· You have questions or concerns regarding your surgery or medications.

Seek Care Immediately if:
· You have difficulty breathing.
· You are shaking and have chills.
· There is acutely worsening or increasing severity of redness, swelling, eye pain or any vision loss.

Other Instructions
· For any concerns after surgery, please text or call Dr. Nguyen directly on her cell phone or TN EYELID PLASTIC SURGERY at #615-905-6797.