Undergoing eyelid surgery can help you look and feel your best. A major part of ensuring the very best results includes following your surgeon’s instructions. What you do at home after surgery actually makes a major difference. It not only ensures your results but also reduces your risk of complications. Your long-term eye health is important. This is why following post-op instructions is crucial for safety after eyelid surgery.
Why Following Post-Op Instructions Is Crucial for Safety
Every surgery carries risk due to the nature of the procedure. However, risk can be substantially reduced to ensure your long-term health. The risks of eyelid surgery can be mitigated by following your post-op instructions exactly.
Reduces the Risk of Infection
Surgery involves incisions and sutures. Incisions create an entry point for harmful bacteria and other irritants. An infection or other surgical complication can impact your results and your health. Your ophthalmic plastic surgeon will provide you with post-op instructions on how to care for your vision. It is critical to follow these exactly. Skipping cleaning can easily expose the surgical area to water, makeup, unclean hands, and other unwanted bacteria. This can impact the healing process, cause scarring, and affect your results. In severe cases, it can impair your eyelid function.
Symptoms Gradually Subside
Patients experience several symptoms after surgery. This includes swelling and bruising. These symptoms are completely normal after surgery. When you follow your post-op instructions, they should gradually decrease within the first two weeks. Instructions commonly include rest, using cold compresses, and keeping your head elevated. During the first week, you should focus primarily on resting. Avoid working out and heavy lifting. Doing too much too soon can delay healing. It can also increase blood flow, leading to excess bleeding. This can delay the healing process and increase the risk of scarring.
Support Healing and Long-Term Eyelid Function
Your eyelids are essential as they protect your eyes and keep them moist. Eyelid surgery can offer functional and aesthetic benefits. However, these can be impacted if you do not follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions. Not following them can lead to scarring and poor healing. This can further lead to dry eyes, lid malposition, and difficulty closing your eyes. You can avoid these issues by following your surgeon’s post-op instructions. You should also contact your surgeon if you notice any irregular symptoms after surgery.
How to Reduce Post-Surgical Complications
Following your surgeon’s instructions is an essential component of your healing process. It can protect your eye health, overall health, and ensure optimal results. Consider the following additional ways to reduce the risk of post-surgical complications.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
You will have scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon. These are necessary to ensure your recovery progress is going as planned. Any issues can be addressed to reduce your risk for further complications. Attend all your appointments and stay in touch with your surgeon if any issues arise.
Take Your Prescribed Medications
Your surgeon will prescribe medications after surgery. These are necessary to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of infection. This may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, eye drops, or pain medication. Take these medications as prescribed to ensure a smooth recovery period.
Focus on Rest
Many people want to get back to their routine right away after surgery. This can backfire and cause serious issues with your recovery timeline. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on when to get back to certain activities. This includes household chores, exercising, and any heavy lifting. Doing too much too soon can harm your health and affect your results.
Manage Your Stress
High stress after surgery can take a toll on your immune system. Plan your recovery process before surgery. This includes meal planning, delegating tasks, taking time off work, and enlisting help from others. This can reduce your stress and allow you to focus on recovery. If you do experience stress after surgery, focus on calming activities. This may include meditation, deep breathing, or talking to a friend or family member.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Healing can be much easier for your body when you maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet filled with nutrient-dense foods. Prepare meals before surgery if you can to optimize your recovery period. Stay hydrated and aim for at least eight glasses of water each day. This promotes healing as you recover after surgery.
Top Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon
It is important to care for your health after surgery. If you experience any complications after eyelid surgery, contact the team at Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment!