Is Eyelid Surgery Painful?

Recovery

Following eyelid surgery huntersville nc, you may experience tightness and feel sore in your eyelids. Your eye may also be watery, dry, sticky, itchy or especially sensitive to light. It is also possible for your vision to be blurry for a few days. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help with the pain and discomfort.

It is critical to keep your eyelid clean and avoid rubbing it while it is healing. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions on how care for your eye after surgery.

It is common for the surgeon to use stitches which will dissolve on their own. Alternatively, the stitches will be removed a few days after surgery. Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for a weeks following surgery. Your eye’s appearance may continue to improve for a few months.

Most people are ready be in public and return to work in about 10-14 days. This can vary based on your job and your personal comfort levels. It is possible to still have some bruising around your eyes even after two weeks.

After surgery, you may find that your eyelid does not lower as much when you look down. You may also find that your lid does not fully close when you sleep. Be sure to communicate this and anything else to your doctor. They may suggest eye drops or special gel for the eye in order to keep it moist. Your eye will be swollen for the first few weeks. As the swelling improves, the changes will become more apparent.

Activity Recommendations:

• Rest as needed. Sufficient sleep aids in your recovery.
• Ensure your head is raised for the days following surgery. Sleep with your head elevated by using two to three pillows.
• Discuss with your doctor when you can drive.
• Eyes will naturally get tired more easily. Limit the amount of time spent reading, using a computer and watching TV following surgery.
• Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup for a few weeks or until your doctor approves it.
• You can shower the day after surgery. Ensure that water, soap and products do not touch your eye.
• Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your eye.
• Don’t bend over or do any strenuous activities for two weeks. Discuss with your doctor befor resuming normal activities.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, gardening and dusting for 1 to 2 weeks as debris can easily get in your eye.
• Wear sunglasses for a year following surgery.

Medicines

• Your doctor will provide instructions regarding all medication, including pain medication. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and ask questions as needed.
• Be sure to discuss your current medications with your doctor prior to surgery.
• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the use of eye drops and antibiotic ointment. Ensure you always wash your hands prior to putting drops in.

Ice

Close your eyes and place ice for 10 to 20 minutes. Try to use ice or cold packs every one to two hours for the first few days while the swelling goes down. Place a cloth between the ice and your skin.

Call your doctor or seek medical care if any of the follow occur:

• Pain does not improve after taking pain medicine
• Stitches fall out or the incision comes open
• Bleeding from the incision area
• Signs of infection:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth or redness
  • Red streaks near the incision area
  • Pus draining from the incision site
  • Fever
• Signs of a blood clot in your legs:
  • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh or groin
  • Redness and swelling in your leg or groin
• Vision changes

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