What can you do to help?

Avoid raising the blood pressure in the head region.  Raised blood pressure in the head region will increase the post operative swelling and bruising. Avoid lifting heavy objects, straining or stooping for prolonged periods.  Sleep with extra pillows.  Be aware that if you sleep on one side, that side will swell more than the other. 

Look after the dressings.   Keep the dressings intact until the outpatient review.  If, for whatever reason, your review is delayed, you may remove them after this period.

Help avoid DVT.   Reduce the small risk of DVT by exercising the calf muscles, (circular ankle movements and regular walking), in the early postoperative period.  Continue wearing the TED stockings, day and night, for up to six weeks.

Arnica.  This herbal medicine is thought to reduce swelling and bruising.  I am extremely happy for my patients to use it.

What to avoid:

Smoking.  Smoking inhibits wound healing, promotes bleeding, infection and coughing.  PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE.

Soaking.  Although the dressings is showerproof it is wise to avoid a prolonged soaking.  Following washing with water and simple soap pat the dressings dry with a clean towel.

Rubbing.  The wounds will take a few weeks to strengthen. Avoid rubbing your eyes during this period. 

Stooping, lifting and straining (as mentioned above).  All of these increase blood pressure to the head and neck region and therefore should be avoided.

What to expect:

Discomfort.   Significant pain is uncommon following a blepharoplasty procedure.  Any pain felt should be easily controlled with simple oral analgesia, (avoid Aspirin).  If the discomfort increases, and especially if it is one sided, advice should be sought from the ward staff (see below).

Swelling.   As with any surgery, patients can expect a moderate degree of swelling.  This should be equal on both sides.  Any dramatic or unequal swelling should be reorted to the ward staff (see below).

Itchy eyes. In the immediate post operative period the eyelids may not close fully.  Patients are given Chloramphemicol ointment which should be applied to the lid margins in this situation.  This is particularly important at night.

Bruising.   A small amount of bruising is common.  Any significant bruising should be reported to the ward staff (see below).

If you are unsure about anything before leaving the hospital, please ask the nursing staff.

Contact the ward staff if you notice any of the following:

• Increasing pain
• Unequal swelling
• Open bleeding
• Disturbed vision (especially if one sided); contact ASAP

Outpatient Review.  An appointment should have already been arranged for you.  This appointment should be printed on the bottom of your admission letter.   If you have any queries, please telephone 01752 707345.

Contacting the Ward Staff.  In the unlikely event that you do have one of the problems mentioned above please contact the ward staff in the first instance.  They are available 24 hours a day and will contact me once they have assessed the situation.

Raleigh Ward (Nuffield Hospital) :  01752 775861

Duchy Hospital :  01872 226100