Post Operative Surgery Instructions

POST-OPERATIVE (AFTER YOUR) SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

As you enter your healing period, please refer to your post-operation instructions for assistance with your recovery. For your convenience, we have included a summary listed in this message but please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

ICE:  As soon as you get home, and for the first 3 days after your surgery, ice the affected area (s) for 15 minutes every hour while you are awake to help sooth the operative area and minimize swelling and bruising.

WARM COMPRESS: After 3 days, you may use warm compresses on the eyelids  a few times a day. They help increase blood and lymphatic flow. Do not microwave a damp cloth as this can cause burns on your skin. Instead, we recommend a cloth with warm water or heating pad as these are safer.

For TENDERNESS extra strength Tylenol per package instructions is recommended. For some procedures, you may be prescribed pain medication. Do not take Tylenol in addition to your pain medication, often the medication you are prescribed will also have Tylenol. Take your medication with food to minimize the risk of nausea.

SWELLING AND BRUISING: Expect swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) as needed every 4-6 hours. Icing also helps pain.

INCISION(S) CARE and OINTMENT(S):
Incisions: Apply the designated ointment at least twice daily to incision(s) using a Q-tip. If applicable, take prescriptions as directed on your procedure medication guide card. You may take Benadryl as needed for itching.

If you had skin resurfacing (micro needling, chemical peel, laser), apply your skin ointment to the area to keep it shiny and moist. This may be several times a day.

Mild bloody OOZING is normal in the first few days. If there is brisk or persistent bleeding, hold pressure on the area with a cool gauze for 10 minutes. If it persists, call the office.

To protect against infection and provide hydration, apply a small amount of the TOPICAL OINTMENT to the incision twice a day with a Q-tip until the sutures are removed. Please do NOT use your finger. This may apply too much pressure and ‘pop’ your sutures.

*For Brow Lift patients only: After some brow lifts, you may have a pressure bandage. This can be removed after 24-48 hours. You can then apply your incision ointment.

For the first week, sleep on your back as much as possible, with 3 to 4 pillows behind your head and back and a cervical (beck) pillow for support. This will help prevent changes in blood pressure and position that may lead to increased swelling and bruising.

Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that increase your heart rate for two weeks. However, you can walk outside for about 20 minutes starting the next day.

Do not drive for at least 72 hours after your procedure to maximize your icing regimen.

Wear large sunglasses or a sun-shield ANY time you are exposed to the sun to minimize scarring.

Call our office immediately at (303) 590-3589 if you experience any of the following symptoms:

- You develop a fever, extreme swelling (unable to open eye) or yellow/green discharge

- A sudden loss of vision, double vision, or rapidly forming hematoma (severe bruise) that is firm and/or causes inability to open the eye

- Persistent bleeding despite 10 minutes of pressure with cold, wet gauze

For Fat Grafting Patients:
After your fat grafting procedure, you will have small sutures at the donor site. Your donor site will also be pressure bandaged. You may remove the bandage 48 hours after surgery.

What to Expect:
- Some bruising and tenderness in the treated and donor areas are normal.
- You may also feel small lumps or nodules in the treated areas - this is a normal part of the healing process!

SLEEP with extra 1-2 pillows and keep your head elevated during the day. Avoid sleeping on your face. Continue this until your follow up.

AVOID dusty or dirty environments and sun exposure (wear large sunglasses). AVOID any make-up close to the incisions for 3 weeks. Do NOT wear contact lenses for 2 weeks following surgery.

Do NOT touch, rub, or scratch your incisions. Take Benadryl if you have itching. If scabs form on the incisions, do not pick at them, they are the body’s natural band-aid and will fall off naturally.

SHOWER: You may shower after 24 hours. Avoid direct water pressure.

DRY, IRRITATED EYES: You may use artificial tears (Ex. Refresh, Systane) as much as needed for dryness. Put the eye drop bottle in the refrigerator as a cold drop is soothing to the eye surface.

AVOID any activities that may increase blood flow or raise your heart rate for 2 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Cox: bending over, picking up heavy items, sports, exercising, and sexual relations. Light activities (a leisure walk) are fine after day 4.

If you have SUTURES that need to be removed, they will be at your follow up appointment. Otherwise, you may have dissolvable sutures.

You may resume DRIVING the day after surgery. However, we recommend resuming driving day 3 after your surgery to allow adherence to the icing protocol. This allows for healthy and safe healing. If you are prescribed pain medications, please avoid driving while taking these.

If you purchased a SKIN RECOVERY KIT, begin using when instructed by Dr. Cox.

Airline TRAVEL is restricted until 2 weeks after your surgery. You may notice an increase in swelling with airline travel which can happen even 6-8 weeks after your surgery due to pressure changes.

CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF

• You develop a fever, extreme swelling (unable to open eye), and yellow/green discharge from the incision. 
• There is a sudden loss of vision, double vision or rapidly forming hematoma that is firm and/or results in inability to open the eye. 
• Bleeding persists despite 10 minutes of pressure with cold, wet gauze.
• Please call our office with any questions or concerns, otherwise attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustments to your care plan.