Below you will find all the necessary information to ensure that your recovery after eyelid surgery is as quick, comfortable, and successful as possible.
Immediately after surgery
Anaesthetic
Having a general anaesthetic can take you a few days to recover, you may feel a little slower and not “yourself” after your surgery.
The after-effects of surgery and discharge from the hospital
Following eyelid surgery you will normally be able to return home within 2-3 hours, after a postoperative check by Dr. Beldholm.
You will receive a prescription for pain medications that can be taken at home. There is usually minimal pain and discomfort associated with this procedure, and there are rarely any complications.
Post Care / Stitches
There are no dressings applied. Very fine stitches inserted during surgery will be removed 7 -10 days after your operation by our nurse in our Lorn clinic.
You will receive a tube of eye ointment, which you should apply to the incision 3 times a day for the first 7 days after your operation.
Cooling Eye Gel packs applied during the first 72 hours helps to reduce swelling.
Returning Home
Driving
As you are still in the recovery phase of the operation when discharged, it’s important to arrange in advance for someone to drive you home and assist you following your operation. Most patients can resume driving approximately one week after surgery, but before you attempt to drive, ensure you can turn to check over both shoulders, and can manoeuvre the car safely without discomfort.
Walking
You are encouraged to go for gentle walks as soon as possible after surgery to prevent complications and to ensure blood flow quickly returns to normal.
Sleeping
You will be able to sleep normally after your operation. Sleep elevated on pillows to minimise swelling post operative.
Showering
You will be able to shower as normal after your surgery. Take care when drying the area – pat gently with a clean towel.
Exercise and activity following surgery
Keep physical activity to a minimum for a week or two following surgery, with only light activities such as gentle walking or light home duties.
What to expect after your surgery
Pain and healing
There is minimal pain and discomfort associated with this surgery, but full recovery may take up to a month.
Bleeding or severe pain
Please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Beldholm’s office on 4934 5700 (in hours) if you have any unusual symptoms, such as odour, bleeding, or severe pain. If you have urgent concerns out of hours, please call our emergency number on 0499 588 444.
Return to work
Most patients can return to non-manual work and normal social activities in around one week. If your work requires strong physical activity, you should plan for 2-3 weeks of recovery time.
Smoking
To optimise your surgical results, it’s best to stop smoking for at least four weeks after surgery.
Post op appointments
You will see Dr. Beldholm immediately before being discharged from the hospital and, if possible, the next day in his clinic. After 7 – 10 days, our practice nurse will remove your stitches.
We recommend a course of LED light therapy postoperatively, as this will improve healing time. Please refer to your LED light therapy information sheet.
Routine follow-up appointments will be made with Dr. Beldholm at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.