Before Surgery
- Please do not use aspirin or medications containing aspirin, ASA, or Acetylsalicylic Acid for two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after as they can interfere with normal blood clotting. If needed use Tylenol instead. Please read medication label to check for aspirin content.
- Also avoid Vitamin E and herbal supplements for two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery.
- Report any signs of a cold, infection, boils, or pustules appearing two weeks before surgery.
- Please arrange for a responsible person to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for 24 hours.
- Notify your doctor if you are taking any medication prescribed by any other doctor, or if you are under the care and treatment by another doctor for any reason.
- If given, have your prescriptions filled before the day of your surgery.
Day of Surgery:
- Wash your face thoroughly. Do not apply any creams or moisturizer. No make-up, false eyelashes or contact lenses.
- Please have a light breakfast or lunch at least 2 hours prior to surgery, but avoid caffeine and sodas. No water at least 2 hours prior to surgery except when given to swallow medications.
- Please wear comfortable loose fitting clothing that can be removed without going over your head (i.e. sweat suit or top with zipper or buttons).
After Surgery:
- Please keep your head elevated above your heart by lying on 2-3 pillows when you rest for the next 5-7 days.
- Monitor your vision for the first two days and call immediately if a significant change occurs or you experience increasing or sudden pain.
- Apply cold compresses to your eyelids consisting of gauze pads or clean washcloths soaked in ice water. This is soothing and helps control swelling. Ice packs or a bag of frozen peas from the grocery store can also be used. Apply every hour while you are awake the first day, and every 2 hours on the second and third day. A bag of frozen peas can be frozen over and over.
- On days 4 and 5, apply warm compresses to your eyelids every 2 to 3 hours while awake.
- The eyelashes and sutures should be cleaned daily with a wet Q-tip to remove any crusting.
- You may wash your hair as soon as you like, but do not let the shower spray right onto your face. Do not use a hot hair dryer.
- You may go for a short to medium walk as soon as you feel up to it. Moderate activity, with no bouncing or jarring, may be started after about 2 weeks. Strenuous full activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4 weeks.
- Avoid all of the following to keep from raising your blood pressure which could lead to additional swelling and/or bleeding: Lifting, bending, stretching, arguments, any form of sexual activity, exercise, or any other activity that could raise your blood pressure for at least 10 to 14 days.
- You may read or watch television though your vision may be slightly blurred for the first few days.
- The tiny sutures will be removed in 5-7 days. You may wear make-up 24 hours after that.
- Occasionally the eyelid muscles are weak after surgery and the lids don’t close completely for several days to weeks. You may be required to use an ointment at bedtime for lubrication and tear drops during the day.
- Please avoid direct sunlight on your eyes for the first month. Regardless, it is always recommended to wear good UV protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Feel free to call us at any time at 1-800-LASER-45. We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your healing period.