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On the afternoon and evening after Surgery...

• You should rest as much as possible with your head elevated on two pillows until the swelling subsides. In the evening, you may take a bath if someone is there to help you.
• Apply clean cold compresses to the eyelids as much as possible until you go to sleep. A large Ziploc bag partially filled with ice cubes or a bag of frozen peas may be placed over a moist gauze or towel. Commercially available gel-filled masks are also effective.
• There will be a mild to moderate amount of pain and discomfort associated with the surgery. This should be easily controlled with oral medications. Tylenol with codeine (or equivalent if allergy to codeine exists) is generally sufficient for pain control.  Severe pain should be reported.
• The discomfort and pain should begin to decrease within 48 hours after surgery.  A significant increase in pain after this period should prompt you to call the office.
• It is normal for the eyelids to become red, a bit swollen, and bruised.  A small amount of bloody fluid draining from the wound is typical. Brisk bleeding not responsive to pressure should be reported.
• Tearing and sensitivity to light is common after surgery, but this usually lasts for just a short while. Sunglasses may be worn (unless a rhinoplasty has been performed as part of your surgery).  If eye drops were given post-operatively, apply as directed.

CALL THE OFFICE PROMPTLY IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• development of a temperature exceeding 38C or 100.4F
• unusual bleeding or discharge from the incision
• any change in vision 
• a significant progressive increase in pain which is not easily relieved by taking your prescribed medication

If any of the above should occur after regular office hours and you cannot reach us at our office, please go to the nearest Emergency Department for evaluation.

Beginning the next morning…

• Swelling usually reaches its maximum the morning after surgery and over the next 2 days. Bruising may persist for several days.
• Bending and straining should be avoided for at least seven days.  You can start walking in three days. You can resume jogging after ten days, swimming after three weeks.
• Reading and computer work may feel difficult, but such activity is not harmful to your surgery.
• You may shower but keep incisions/steristrips dry. Do not rub, wash or massage your eyelids until after your one week post-operative visit.

Additional instructions and information…

• Sutures are removed 5 to 7 days after surgery.
• After the sutures and/or steristrips have been removed, you can apply Polysporin ointment daily for 7 to 10 days and then discontinue it. 
• The eyelids may not close fully during the first weeks after surgery.  During the day, use the eye drops prescribed and at night, use the prescribed ointment or an eye patch.
• After the sutures are removed, the light application of concealer make-up may help camouflage bruising. Regular eyelid cosmetics may be resumed after 10 days.
• Most of the swelling occurs by day 2 or 3.  Most bruising and swelling is gone by 2 weeks, although some may remain for up to 6 to 10 weeks.
• You may resume wearing contact lenses after 1 week.
• The incision may turn red, elevated or bumpy in the weeks after surgery.  The scar will then continue to fade and soften over the next 6 to 12 months.
• Do not try to evaluate the success of your surgery during your early recovery. Imbalances between the two sides are common at first due to swelling and variable rates of recovery. Full healing of any skin incision can be between 6 to 12 months. 

How do I care for myself after surgery?

• Make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from your surgery.
• Having someone stay with you the first night after your surgery is highly recommended.
• Be sure to fill your prescriptions before your surgery since it means one less thing for you to worry about afterwards.
• Take the antibiotics and any medication only as prescribed by the office.
• Do not take any aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory compounds or herbal medication for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your surgery unless you first discuss with Dr. Tietze.
• If you are a smoker, you should not smoke for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and 2 weeks after surgery. Smoking and chewing tobacco inhibit your circulation and can significantly compromise your surgical outcome.
• You should do no vigorous exercise and should avoid any significant physical exertion, lifting or straining for a minimum of 3 weeks after your surgery, as this activity could disrupt your wound healing. Plan on taking it easy.
• Do not rub, wash or massage your eyelids.