SWELLING AND BRUISING EXPECTATIONS

• Normal Symptoms: Significant bruising and swelling are normal. They typically peak 48–72 hours after surgery.
• Asymmetry: One side may be more swollen or bruised than the other.
• Gravity Effect: Swelling and bruising may travel down into your cheeks due to gravity.
• Timeline: Symptoms average 1–2 weeks but can last up to 3–4 weeks. Red or bloodshot eyes are also completely normal.

IMMEDIATE POST-OP CARE (FIRST 48 HOURS)

• Ice Compress: Apply ice packs (frozen gel packs, gauze soaked in ice water, or Ziploc bags of frozen peas) to eyelids for 20 minutes every hour while awake.
• Skin Protection: Always place a paper towel between the ice pack and your skin.
• Stop Icing: Cease all ice applications after 48 hours.

LONG-TERM CARE (AFTER 48 HOURS)

• Warm Compress: After the initial 48 hours, you may transition to warm compresses as needed for comfort.
• Incision Care: Apply a small amount of your prescribed ointment to the incision every night until your sutures are removed.
• Suture Removal: Your stitches will be removed 8–10 days after surgery, depending on your healing progress.

MEDICATIONS AND EYE COMFORT

• Dryness & Irritation: Use over-the-counter artificial tears 3–4 times per day for comfort, if needed.
• Ointment Use: You may apply your prescribed ointment directly inside the eye.
• Vision Warning: Applying ointment directly into the eye will cause temporary blurry vision.

ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS AND HYGIENE

• Head Elevation: Keep your head elevated during the day. Sleep with 1–2 extra pillows. Do not sleep on your face.
• Showering: You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Avoid getting soap or water directly on your incisions. Pat your face dry; do NOT rub.
• Incisions: Do not touch, rub, or scratch the incisions. If scabs form, do not pick them.
• Banned Items (2 Weeks): Do not wear contact lenses or apply makeup anywhere close to the incisions.
• Environment: Avoid dusty or dirty environments. Avoid sun exposure by wearing large sunglasses.
• Exercise & Activity: Avoid bending over, lifting heavy items, sports, and sexual relations for 2 weeks. These increase blood pressure and blood flow to the eyelids. Light walking is permitted starting on day 3.
• Driving: Resume driving only when you feel completely safe to do so, typically after 48 hours.

MANAGING BLEEDING

• Minor Bleeding: Mild oozing is completely normal during the first 1–2 days.
• Persistent Bleeding: If brisk or persistent bleeding occurs, hold firm, continuous pressure on the area with a gauze pad for 10 minutes. If it does not stop, call the office immediately.

WHEN TO CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY

Call us right away if you experience any of the following emergency symptoms:

• Fever, extreme swelling, or yellow/green discharge from the incision.
• The surgical incision opens.
• Bleeding that persists despite holding firm gauze pressure for 10 full minutes.
• Sudden loss of vision, double vision, or a rapidly expanding, firm hematoma (blood collection) that prevents you from opening your eye.

Office Phone: 203-340-1301

After-Hours/Weekend Urgent Answering Service: 475-303-2143

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT