Your blepharoplasty pathway

Before your surgery:

• Prepare!

• Try to ensure you are able to have an easy week following your surgery. Put your feet up and relax. Try to minimise any physical tasks.

• Take all your medicines unless told otherwise.

• Please do not apply any eye make up on the day of surgery.

• Organise a lift home after the operation. Your vision should not be altered, however it is much nicer to have a lift home.

The day of surgery:

• I will begin by consenting you for the procedure and getting signed confirmation that you are happy to proceed. We will go through the risks and benefits of surgery again.

• You will be led through to the operating room and asked to lie down on the bed. We will ensure you are warm and comfortable through out.

• You will have eye drops applied to both eyes to prevent stinging from the cleaning solution.

• I will take my time marking your skin to guide my exact surgical plan.

• The local anaesthetic is then applied under the skin of your upper lid. This stings but works quickly.

• Once numb, the excess skin is removed. The wounds are closed with tiny sutures. You should not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure but you will feel gentle pressure and light heat.

• Follwoing the surgery you will be led to recover where cold compresses will be placed on the eyelids to reduce the swelling.

Following you surgery:

• You will be given an antibiotic opintment to use over the stitches 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Apply gently with a clean finger.

• The eyelids will be bruised and swollen over the intial days. I advise patients to use ice packs (frozen peas wrapped in a clean cloth is fine) 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time, for the first 4 days.

• Keep the wound dry for 7 days. You can shower but ensure your head is tilted back to keep the wounds dry.

• You should be able to drive the day after surgery if you feel comfortable.

• gentle exercise is OK (e.g. walking the dog) but avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks after the surgery.

• I will see you back within the first fortnight after the oepration to assess your progress and remove any stitches if required.