Eyelid Surgery
Will it hurt my eyes to look at a screen after eyelid surgery?
No. It is okay to look at screens after your surgery. You will be able to watch television, use your computer or phone, or even read without hurting your eyes or affecting your long-term vision.
How long will it take for the bruising and swelling to disappear after eyelid surgery?
Bruising and swelling will be at its worse the day directly after your surgery. It should gradually improve day by day. For the majority of patients, bruising should disappear approximately 2 weeks after surgery. On the other hand, swelling can take as long as 6 months to completely resolve. For most patients, swelling is about 80% resolved at 4 weeks post-surgery, and about 90% resolved at 8 weeks post-surgery.
Will undergoing eyelid surgery leave me with a scar?
You will be left with a small scar. However, eyelid scars heal very smoothly compared to scars left elsewhere on the body and you will notice an improvement in scar appearance and texture with each passing month. Scars are most pronounced 1 month after surgery. Although the scar will heal quickly compared to other scars, please remember that healing wounds take many months to mature. You can help the healing process by wearing sunscreen (you can start applying 14 days after your surgery) and wearing large sunglasses when outside.
Read more about what you should do after eyelid surgery here.
What shouldn’t I do after surgery?
You should not:
- Bend with your head below your heart for a week after surgery.
- Lift things heavier than a gallon of milk for a week after surgery.
- Engage in strenuous activities for a week after surgery.
- Smoke cigarettes for at least 14 days after surgery.
- Drink alcohol for at least a week after surgery.
- Consume salty and processed foods for two weeks after surgery.
These 6 things all contribute to a sudden increase in blood pressure, which is the number one reason behind substantial bleeding after surgery. While it is rare, bleeding behind the eye can cause permanent vision loss. Smoking, drinking, and eating salty/processed foods may also delay healing post-surgery.
What should I do after surgery?
You should:
- Apply ice packs to the surgical area for 30 minutes out of each hour within the first 72 hours after surgery while you are awake.
- Sleep with your head elevated above your heart for at least a week after surgery.
- Wear your eye shields every night for two weeks after surgery.
- Avoid getting tap water and shower water on your wounds for a week after surgery.
- Avoid hot tubs, oceans, lakes, saunas, and swimming pools for two weeks
One of the biggest concerns post-surgery is the possibility of an infection in the surgical area. Avoiding contaminated water and protecting your eyes when you are asleep help immensely with preventing an infection.
Can I take over the counter medications if I experience pain after surgery?
Try taking Extra Strength Tylenol (500mg) as instructed on the bottle. If your pain does not improve to a manageable level, please contact us for assistance. Do not take NSAID pain relievers for at least a week after surgery, they can increase the risk of bleeding. NSAID pain medications include:
- Ibuprofen
- Advil
- Naproxen
- Aleve
Read more about our post-operative instructions here
What is an ASOPRS Surgeon?
ASOPRS stands for, “The American Society of Ophthalmic and Reconstructive Surgery”. It is the world’s largest organization of oculofacial plastic surgeons. Every member of ASOPRS is a board-certified medical doctor, most of them have trained for 6 years or more in the field of ophthalmology. To be an ASOPRS surgeon, you must submit scientific research and pass rigorous oral and written exams. Medical and/or cosmetic treatment of something as important as the eyes and face is a delicate task, ASOPRS surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform these procedures. When you choose an ASOPRS surgeon, you are choosing the best there is.
Skin Aesthetics Services
Can I wear makeup to my appointment?
We would prefer the area to be free of makeup, SPF, and lotions. Our Master Aesthetician will remove any products on the skin prior to treatment if necessary.
Should I shave or wax before laser hair removal?
Do not use wax or depilatory creams prior to coming in for your appointment. Shave all visible hairs in the treatment area 24 hours before coming in. If the area is not shaved, you will be rescheduled and charged a no show fee.
Should I stop applying retinol before treatment?
Yes, stop all retinol application seven to ten days before your treatment date. Stop all irritant topical agents two to three days prior to treatment as well.
Should I stay out of the sun?
Yes, avoid all sun exposure, self-tanning solution, and tanning bed exposure at least three to four weeks prior to treatment. Any patient who arrives with sunburn or tan will be rescheduled and charged a non-compliance fee.
Is there any downtime?
There is generally no downtime for our aesthetic skin services. However, sun, exercise, hot tubs, and other potential irritants should be avoided. Our Master Aesthetician will go over the exact post-treatment instructions with you at your appointment.
Can I still get treated if I have a cold sore?
No, and please reschedule.
Will I be red after?
Yes, there may be some redness, swelling, and tenderness in treated areas depending on the treatment.
Can I bring anyone with me?
No, only you are allowed in the treatment room.
Should I bring my products into a consultation?
If you have questions about the products you are currently using bring them in. But only if they have ingredient list on them or the packaging. It is not required for you to bring them.
Do any of the procedures hurt?
You may experience some discomfort during treatment, depending on which treatment you are undergoing. Our Master Aesthetician will discuss comfort levels with you before, during, and after your treatment session.
What’s the difference between an Aesthetician and an Esthetician?
They can be used interchangeably. However, “Aesthetician” is more commonly used when referring to an Aesthetician that practices in the medical field. “Esthetician” can be used to refer to Estheticians who practice outside the medical field.
What is the difference between an Aesthetician and a Master Aesthetician?
A Professional Aesthetician is able to perform basic facials and body waxing. A Master Aesthetician has an additional 600 hours of schooling and can provide any treatment under their scope of practice in that state.
