Doctor, what to prepare before and after eyelid surgery?

After you have decided to undergo an eyelid surgery, it would be helpful to know what preparation you can do to facilitate the procedure/ surgery. Also, what you can do after the procedure/ surgery to enhance the recovery.

The following is a list of before (pre) and after (post) procedure/ surgery instructions. Please note these instructions may vary between doctors.

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

A. Medications:

The following medications, oil and herbs have blood thinning properties and should be stopped prior to surgery to reduce bleeding during surgery and thus will also reduce swelling and bruising after surgery .

Please STOP the following 2 weeks before and 1 week after procedure/ surgery:

1. Anticoagulants :- 1. Aspirin
                                 2. Clopidrogel (Plavix)
                                 3. Warfarin (need physician clearance)

2. Fish & Liver oil :- Omega-3, Cod Liver Oil, Salmon fish oil, Krill Oil
3. Flax Seed Oil
4. Vitamin E
5. Pain Killer :- Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
                          1. Ibuprofen (Brufen)
                          2. Mefenamic Acid (Ponstan)
                          3. Indometacin (Indocin)
                          4. Naproxen (Naprosyn)

6. Herbs / Traditional Medicine :- 1. Ginseng
                                                       2. Gingko Biloba
                                                       3. Dong Quai
                                                       4. Jamu etc
7. Smoking
8. Reduce Ginger and Garlic intake

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, please CONTINUE the medications like normal.


B. Preparation from home:

1. The day before surgery, shampoo your hair. Before heading to your surgery, wash you face with cleanser and water. Do not apply any moisturizers, lotion or make-up.

2. Do not wear jewelries, including rings, bracelet, earrings.

3. If you wear contact lens, be prepared to remove them. Preferably, wear your glasses.

4. Bring a hat/ cap/ scarf and sunglasses to be worn after surgery to cover your eyes.

5. No need to fast as most eyelid procedures are performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation. You may take light meal on surgery day and resume normal meal or as tolerated after surgery.

6. Prepare ice or eye pack for compression after surgery.

7. If you have opted for sedation, please have someone accompany you after surgery.

8. Start supplement Vitamin C 2000-3000mg (Brand Ester C by Kordel available in pharmacy or Ester C by American Health in GNC)

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rest with your head elevated about 30 degrees.

2. Use ice packs immediately after surgery and for the first 2 days on the operated area as frequent as possible. You may alternate cold and warm compress after 2 days when the bruise begin to appear. Ice compression helps with swelling while warm compression helps to disperse the bruising.

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3. Please take pain medicine if in pain. If there's sharp, pricking pain, please contact your doctor.

4. Do not exercise or lift any heavy objects or bend down for the first week. You may walk around without exertion as mobility will improve blood circulation and helps with wound healing.

5. Apply the ointment prescribed as instructed.

6. Take high dose vitamin C (2-3gm/day) to enhance wound healing.

7. You may take shower and wash your face but be very gentle with the incision site. You may dap dry the incision area but please do not rub.



THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY:

1. The swelling will worsen for the first 48 hours before it gradually resolves.

2. Occasional discharge including blood, tears and mild oozing is normal. However, if there's continuous fresh blood discharge, please contact your doctor.

3. Sutures are removed 1 week after surgery

4. Avoid direct sunlight to your eyelids esp if incision was made on the skin. Cover the incision site with the ointment prescribed.

5. 70-80% of swelling and bruising is usually gone at 2 weeks, it may take several months for the remaining swelling to completely dissipate. Final results usually take upto 6 months. This is normally applied to incision on the eyelids. Suture method for double eyelid usually take shorter downtime.

6. Numbness, swelling, tingling sensation, itching, discoloration, bumpiness, crusting, tightness and redness around the incisions are normal and should resolve with healing.


If you have further questions, kindly call 03-22846090 or email alicegoh@isec.my