After eyelid surgery
Duration of the operation The operation lasts 60 minutes for the upper eyelids and 90 minutes for the lower eyelid. This duration varies depending on the problem of each patient. The upper eyelid surgery can be done under local anesthesia. Lower eyelid surgery usually requires at least intoxication and local anesthesia.
Duration of hospital stay
With local anesthesia or intoxication, patients leave on the same day. Only if general anesthesia is needed may a day of hospitalization be necessary. These will be discussed on the first visit.
Gauze and stitches
You will wake up with a little gauze and stickers (Steristrips) on the wounds. The stitches are very thin and will be removed in about 5 days.
Time out of work and socialization
People differ in their daily routine, but patients should allow at least 1 week of recovery after surgery. Most patients are very comfortable after a few days, and only bruising and swelling can make you feel uncomfortable about returning to work. Most of the bruises will be gone by the second week.
Time for exercise
Patients usually feel able to walk a distance in 3 days, swimming in 10-14 days (if the wound heals completely). Intense physical exercise (aerobics, etc.) should be avoided for 4 weeks.
Postoperative instructions
Day 1-2 You should rest as much as you can! Relax on the couch with your head held high and ice in your eyes.
Day 2-5 You can start circulating, but you will be swollen and have stickers, which are visible. Sunglasses will be useful if you go out.
Day 5-10 Your sutures will be removed and most of the swelling and bruising will begin to disappear. You need to feel much better from now on and you will be able to start your daily life
Week 3 onwards you will almost be back to normal.
Driving
Patients should avoid driving until they are completely free of restrictions. It may take up to two or three weeks for you to recover adequately.
Monitoring
We will check your wound in 2 days and remove the stitches on day 5. We will have a follow-up on your supervision as required. You will have an appointment in 1 month and another in 3 months for photos and final instructions.
Final result
Although your effect will be noticeable early on, this will continue to improve during the first three months.
Possible Complications With Blepharoplasty
This is a common operation, which is very successful for the vast majority of patients. However, as with any procedure, it is very important to understand what can go wrong. Possible complications are listed below.
Ectropion: This is very unusual. Occurs when the lower eyelid pulls down and does not touch the eyeball properly. Great care is taken in the lower eyelid surgery to avoid this. If variations in technique are needed to avoid this, it will be discussed with you during the preoperative visit.
Minor asymmetries: The same operation will be performed on both sides. There is a small risk of small irregularities on the skin surfaces on each side. Some minor differences may need to be corrected with local anesthesia.
Scars: The quality of the scars varies between patients. In this operation, the scars from the incisions are not visible.
Gum size: Although very uncommon, this can lead to delayed wound healing.
Bleeding: A blood clot can collect under the skin, requiring it to be returned to the operating room for removal.
Infection: Also very uncommon, but if it happens you will need antibiotics.
Bulb abrasion: The eye is protected during surgery, but a slight friction on the cornea can occur and heal without problems in a few days.
Tearing: It is temporary and is due to the irritation of the tear mechanism from the operation. It is corrected in a few days after the operation.
Juicing: It is swelling of the conjunctiva. It usually subsides on its own after a few days.
If you experience side effects that concern you, please do not hesitate to contact us.