One of the biggest fears people have when considering eyelid surgery or
any other cosmetic procedure is what the recovery stage will be like.
The procedure itself is generally not that scary. After all, you know
you’ll be in the hands of a competent professional—one who has done the
procedure many times before. But maybe you don’t tolerate pain in the
way that most people can. Maybe you’re afraid of missing too much work.
Whatever the reason is for your hesitancy, information can only help.
Here are some things you should know about recovery.
Make sure you have someone ready to take you to and from the eyelid
surgery clinic. These procedures are usually done on an outpatient
basis, meaning you won’t be staying at the hospital overnight, unless
they want to keep you for observations. Many clinics will not perform
operations of this type unless you have someone standing by to take you
home. That means you can’t have someone drop you off and then come back
to get you. Clinics differ when it comes to this policy, so check with
them when you’re making your arrangements.
Following the eyelid surgery, the doctor will usually place your eyes in
lubricant and cover them with bandages. This is, of course, one of the
reasons it will be challenging at best for you to drive home on your
own. He will probably insist that you make an attempt to keep your head
elevated in the hours following the procedure. This can help prevent a
lot of swelling and allow drainage to occur naturally and expeditiously.
Whatever special instructions your doctor gives you, make sure you
follow them to the letter. These instructions are designed to help you
heal in the fastest, safest way possible. Ignoring any instructions can
slow the healing process and introduce complications.
After you have had the procedure, you’ll be given antibiotics and some
pain medication. It’s important to take this medication as directed. The
antibiotics will work to prevent any infections from setting in. The
pain medication, obviously, can be used to control pain. It’s usually a
good idea to take the pain pills when directed, rather than after you
begin feeling pain. It stays under much more stable control that way. It
is, of course, never wise to take more pain medication than prescribed.
Once again, follow the doctor’s directions as it pertains to taking
this medication and follow his advice as it concerns your activities and
when you can return to a normal routine.
