What are the post-operative care instructions for a patient after eyelid surgery?

Post-Operative Care Instructions for Eyelid Surgery

Follow the provided post-operative protocol systematically, prioritizing head elevation, ice application for 48 hours followed by warm compresses, antibiotic ointment application to sutures, and strict activity restrictions to prevent complications and optimize healing.

Activity Restrictions

• Maintain head elevation above heart level for 5 days to minimize edema and reduce risk of hematoma formation 1, 2
• Avoid lifting over 10 pounds for 5 days and refrain from straining activities until cleared by your surgeon, as increased intraocular pressure and facial pressure can compromise wound healing 1, 2
• Do not drive or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours post-operatively due to residual anesthetic effects and potential visual disturbances 3
• Resume normal ambulation while keeping head above heart level; squatting is permitted with proper head positioning 1

Wound Care and Hygiene Protocol

First 48 Hours: Ice Application Phase

• Apply ice packs, frozen gel masks, or frozen peas over closed eyes for 20 minutes every hour while awake to minimize edema and ecchymosis 1, 2
• Remove bandage the morning after surgery as instructed (timing may vary based on surgical technique) 1
• Keep surgical site dry and avoid direct water contact on incisions 1, 2

After 48 Hours: Warm Compress Phase

• Transition to warm compresses (washcloth soaked in warm water) applied over eyes and nose several times daily to promote circulation and resolution of residual swelling 1, 2

Daily Wound Management

• Apply bacitracin ointment to suture lines three times daily as prescribed to prevent infection and maintain wound moisture 1, 2
• Apply ophthalmic ointment to sutures daily and liberally on the day of suture removal to facilitate atraumatic removal 1
• Apply ophthalmic ointment inside lower lid at bedtime for 7 days to prevent corneal desiccation 3, 1
• Wash hands thoroughly before any contact with the surgical site to minimize infection risk 3, 1

Hygiene Precautions

• Avoid eye makeup over skin incisions until sutures are removed; makeup may be used on lower lids if no skin incision was made 1, 2
• Shower or bathe carefully, preventing soap and water from contacting incisions 1, 2
• Shampoo hair by leaning head backward, never bending forward, to maintain head elevation and prevent increased venous pressure 1
• Use clean washcloth to gently remove discharge from eyelids 1

Medication Management

Continue Home Medications

• Resume all pre-operative medications including sertraline, risperidone, metformin, lisinopril, levothyroxine, Singulair, albuterol, Claritin, and Pepcid as prescribed 3

Post-Operative Medications

• Never touch bottle tips or ointment tubes to eyelids or eyelashes to prevent contamination 1, 2
• Use artificial tears as needed for dry eye symptoms, which are common post-operatively 4, 5
• For mild pain, take acetaminophen 325-650 mg; contact Dr. Jackson immediately if pain is severe or unrelieved 1, 2

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Contact

• Yellow or green discharge from the eye indicates possible infection requiring urgent evaluation 3, 1
• Severe pain unrelieved by acetaminophen may indicate hematoma or other serious complication 1, 2
• Sudden vision changes or vision loss requires emergency evaluation 1, 2
• Blood-tinged drainage is normal; however, significant bleeding warrants immediate contact 1, 2

Follow-Up Care

• Attend scheduled follow-up appointment with Dr. Jackson at 111 W. Main Street on the date to be determined 3
• Critical monitoring includes assessment for infection, wound healing, eyelid position, and visual function 3, 1
• Suture removal timing will be determined by surgeon based on healing progress 1, 2

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume minor wound oozing will resolve spontaneously—report any persistent drainage to your surgeon 3
• Inadequate head elevation is a frequent cause of prolonged edema and increased complication risk 1, 2
• Premature return to strenuous activity can precipitate hematoma formation or wound dehiscence 1, 2
• Failure to maintain strict hygiene increases infection risk, particularly with suture-related complications 3, 1