INFORMATION
BLEPHAROPLASTY
- This is usually performed as a day procedure. Patients that are from out of town are kept overnight.
- Avoid any medication or supplements that have a blood thinning effect two weeks before the surgery. This increases the risk of bleeding that could lead to blindness. These include all aspirin containing medicines, anti-inflammatory medicines, herbal/homeopathic medicines and most vitamins/supplements.
- Stop smoking and the use of nicotine containing products for 4 weeks before until 4 weeks after the surgery. Nicotine reduces blood circulation to the skin. The effect of smoking on the lungs increases the risk of coughing when waking up after the anaesthetic thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Expect bruising and swelling around the eyes that vary from patient to patient. To keep this to a minimum, use ice-packs and keep your head elevated above the level of your heart. Also avoid any activities that increase the pressure in the head/face, such as bending over, coughing, exercise or constipation for 10 days post-operatively. This also reduces the risk of bleeding post-operatively. Bruising usually subsides in 2 weeks. It is therefore safe to take 2 weeks sick leave.
- On returning home, you will receive a script for pain killers ( although this is usually more a feeling of discomfort rather than pain that patients experience ), sometimes antibiotics, eye drops and eye ointment.
- The sutures are removed after one week. Continue gentle washing for another week to avoid disruption of the wounds. Sun protection and tissue oils can then be started for a period of a year to assist scar maturation.
- Light duty activities are allowed after 2 weeks and exercising after 6 weeks. Follow-up visit at 6 weeks usually shows the achieved result, although total healing happens over 12 months.
- Patients are seen then at 1 week, 6 weeks, 1 year and any other time as needed.
Full details about the procedure and the above information will be discussed during consultation to ensure patients are completely informed before they decide about the surgery. All your questions will also be answered at the same time.
RISKS
BLEPHAROPLASTY
- Bleeding is the most feared complication and could lead to blindness. Therefore medicines and other blood thinning products should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking should be stopped 4 weeks before surgery to avoid coughing post-operatively that increases risk of bleeding. Bleeding can occur as long as 7-10 days after surgery. Therefore any activity that raises pressure in the face should be avoided for 10 days after surgery.
- Bruising and swelling. Most bruising subsides after 2-3 weeks. Swelling takes up to 6 weeks to settle.
- Temporary blurring of vision due to swelling. Swelling could also cause contact lenses not to fit properly, also causing blurring of vision.
- Scarring is usually a temporary problem. Due to the thinness of the eyelid skin, the scars almost disappear in a years’ time.
Further details about the risks and preventative measures will be discussed during consultation.
ADDRESS
Denneboom Rd, Wilgers, Pretoria, 0040
Suite A1, Life Wilgers Hospital
Postal Address:
Box 11694, Silver Lakes, 0054
CONTACT US
Tel: 012 807 2695
Fax: 012 807 2696
CONSULTING ROOMS
Mo-Fr: 8:00 – 17:00