Whether you are undergoing eyelid surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons, the quality of your post-operative care is just as important as the surgical procedure itself. You’ll need to pay careful attention to the wound and make necessary lifestyle changes to speed up healing for optimal results. Beyond that, familiarising yourself with the recovery timeline, managing expectations, and following tips on proper after-care are also steps towards a smooth sailing recovery journey. Here is what you need to know and the habits to adopt.
Timeline of recovery
You should first begin by breaking down the timeline and healing process of your eye surgery, and this will make it much easier for you to manage your expectations and better plan your post-surgery care.
Recovery usually involves three key phases: bruising, swelling, and scar healing. Bruising tends to fade within 2 to 3 weeks following surgery, while swelling may persist for up to 8 weeks or longer.
However, scars may take a year or more to fade fully, and this depends on your skin type, surgical technique, as well as your post-operative care regimen. So, be patient and stick to your recovery plan.
Tips for Recovery
Now that you have a rough idea of the timeline, here are some tips that can make your recovery process smoother.
1. Take time off
Give yourself and your eyes enough time to rest and recover fully from the treatment. Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during the start of the healing phase. You should also consider taking a break from work to allow your body to fully focus on recuperation, giving yourself the luxury of uninterrupted rest for a more expedited recovery process.
2. Follow proper self-care procedures
Aside from resting well post eyelid surgery, following your doctor’s instructions for self-care procedures is vital. This includes applying any prescribed ointments, keeping the surgical area clean, and avoiding rubbing or touching your eyes unnecessarily. Gentle care and meticulous hygiene practices can speed up healing and minimise the risk of complications.
3. Elevate your head when sleeping
Did you know that elevating your head while sleeping can help in your recovery process? It can actually help lessen swelling and encourage the proper drainage of fluids from the surgical site, reducing discomfort and allowing your body to focus on healing without unnecessary strain.
4. Protect your eyes
Next, eye protection is of utmost importance during recovery. Shield your eyes from potential irritants and harmful UV rays during the recovery process by wearing sunglasses with UV protection. Activities that may strain your eyes, such as excessive screen time or reading in dim lighting, should also be avoided.
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol
To further optimise your recovery, you should also refrain from smoking and limit your alcohol intake. Both of these can impede the healing process – nicotine restricts blood flow and slows down tissue repair, while alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of your medicine and even compromise the immune system.
6. Attend follow-up appointments
Finally, remember to attend your scheduled follow-up appointments with your eye specialist. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress and addressing any issues or complications promptly. Feel free to communicate openly with them about your recovery journey, allowing them to make any necessary adjustments to your healing journey.
Recovery from eyelid surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and perseverance. Should you encounter persistent discomfort or have any apprehensions during your recovery, do not hesitate to contact your eye specialist for guidance and assistance.
At Nova Eye Centre, you can be sure to receive comprehensive care and assistance at every step of your recuperation journey. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation or discuss any aspect of your post-operative care.