7 Tips on Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Eyelid surgery, a.k.a. oculoplastic surgery, is the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the eyes and eyelids, such as ptosis (drooping eyelids) or excess skin in the upper lids, which can cause visual problems and headaches.
It is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis with patients returning home on the same day. Recovery from eye surgery may take up to two weeks for a more complex reconstruction procedure such as blepharoplasty or three months for a less involved procedure, such as ptosis repair. To make this recovery period go smoothly as possible, below you will find seven useful tips.
1. A good sleep takes you a long way
To ensure a restful sleep in the days after an eye operation, make sure to avoid bright natural or artificial light after surgery because your eyelids will still be unwell and sensitive. Keep yourself comfortable during the first night by choosing any type of support such as linens, pre-made heated mattress pads, or a special pillow that is custom-made for you.
2. Patience and self-control are the keys
The recovery from eye surgery involves muscle and tissue healing as well as skin remodelling and physical therapy. Even though you will experience swelling in your eyes, eyelids, face, and neck for up to two weeks, this swelling should not be interpreted as muscle spasm or bruising. This is a natural result of the natural recovery process of tissue normalization. Sometimes the anesthesia mask may have left bruises on your face from rubbing against it over-zealously during recovery. These bruises will gradually fade away over the following days and weeks.
3. Take good care of your body to ensure proper healing
To provide your body with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you should include leafy greens and fruits in your diet. Water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C are often recommended. This vitamin is a vital nutrient that is involved in many different roles in the body including immune response and recovery after surgery or trauma. To avoid constipation during the recovery process, try to consume plenty of fibre-rich foods such as whole grains and fresh vegetables.
4. Follow your doctor's advice
The common medical treatments for eyelid surgery include prescription and non-prescription medications that help to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. Before you begin to take any medication or vitamin supplements, make sure to ask your doctor for their advice. Also, remember to take all medications according to the directions for the best results.
5. Take some time off
If you have a surgery that involves your eyes, it is best to take at least one week off from work and other activities after the procedure. Do not drive or operate machinery immediately after surgery. Wait to resume your usual activities until you are instructed by your surgeon to do so. If you are a contact wearer, you will need to avoid wearing them while your eyes heal. It is recommended that you stay away from the computer as much as possible and perform general activities at a lower level for a week to 10 days after surgery.
6. Avoid dramatic stress
Stress can be a crucial factor in the recovery process, and it is wise to exert personal boundaries regarding all things related to the procedure and its aftereffects. Avoid heavy reading material; try to focus on light activities such as watching TV or flicking through magazines while listening to music or nature sounds for background noise.
7. Avoid any medication that might encourage bleeding
Certain medications can cause excessive bleeding or inflammation from your eyes and eyelids. To avoid damage to the eyelid tissue, you should not take this medication unless your doctor has told you to. Medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen should also be avoided as well as supplements like fish oil, cranberry extract, etc. If you're experiencing pain, your doctor might approve Tylenol for you, but do not take it without their approval.
Share