AFTER THE OPERATION



     During your post-operative visit, usually five to seven days after surgery, the sutures will be removed under magnification with special delicate instruments to minimize discomfort. Sleep with your head elevated thirty to forty degrees for one week. This minimizes the swelling.


                    AVOID bending over or lifting heavy objects for one week.
                    AVOID straining at stool.  If you feel constipated, use your usual laxative.
                    AVOID hitting or bumping your face.
                    AVOID excessive sunning during the first thirty days.
                    AVOID reading or watching television for prolonged periods during the first two weeks after
                    surgery.  This will minimize eye strain and headaches.

                    DO NOT tweeze the eyebrows for two weeks.
                    You may have your hair washed two days after all the sutures are removed. 
                    DO NOT use a high heat hair dryer.
                    You may take a shower or bath (not too hot and not too long) the day after surgery without getting your eyes wet.

                    Your face may be gently cleansed with cotton tipped applicators. 
                    DO NOT apply hair colouring sooner than three weeks after the operation.
                    Eye shadow and false eyelashes SHOULD NOT be applied until ten days after surgery.
                    DO NOT participate in any athletic activities for at least one month after surgery.
                    DO NOT use contact lenses earlier than ten days after surgery.
                    You may wear eyeglasses or sunglasses the day following surgery.
   What are the risks? Bleeding and infection are relatively infrequent and constitute a possible complication of almost every operative procedure. The operation is not carried out on the eyeball and therefore visual impairment is a very remote possibility. The application of ointment, usually used during the first seven days, frequently causes slight temporary blurring of vision. There may be a temporary downward or forward displacement of the lower lid. This is a result of swelling or poor muscle tone. It improves by gentle massage or exercise when the swelling is dispersed and the muscle tone returns to normal. In rare instances insertion of contact lenses may become more difficult due to a tightened eyelid muscle. This improves with time. Poor scarring is uncommon and even then can be easily covered by light make-up. There are other numerous remote possible complications which are statistically insignificant. I will be pleased to answer any specific questions you may have during your consultation visit.



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