Post-operative care and recovery

What to expect after oculoplastic surgery

After surgery, your eyes will likely be swollen and bruised for up to 2-3 weeks. The amount of swelling and bruising varies from person to person and depends on the procedure you have had performed. The swelling usually increases over the first three days before starting to improve. Most of the swelling will disappear by two weeks but it can take up to 6-8 weeks to see the final result of the surgery.
 

Dos and don’ts

✔ If you were given an eye patch, please keep it on overnight.

✔ Start applying the antibiotic ointment after removing the eye patch, as instructed by your nurse. It is safe for the ointment to get into your eye – in fact this also helps to lubricate your eye, as well as the skin. It is normal to experience blurred vision when the ointment is applied. The blurred vision may last over an hour each time.

✔ Keep the wound clean. It is normal to experiencing a small amount of oozing for the first 48 hours. Any oozing or crusting can be very gently wiped away with a cotton pad dipped in cooled boiled water.

✔ You can shower or bathe but avoid soaking the surgical site for the first week. Keep the wound mostly dry for the first week, and away from dirty environments

✔ The incisions may feel slightly sore but should not be extremely painful. You can take painkillers if required e.g. paracetamol (not aspirin)

✔ To minimise swelling, sleep with your head elevated on 2 pillows for the first 3 days

✔ Ice packs are optional. They can be applied at 20-minute intervals (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first two days. Place a clean cloth between the ice pack and the skin. Do not apply ice directly to the skin surface.

✔ It is safe to read, watch TV and use the computer as you feel comfortable

✔ You may drive as long as your vision is not blurred

✔ Wear sunglasses when outdoors during the healing period
 

✖ Avoid rubbing your eyes

✖ Avoid eye make up for 2 weeks

✖ Avoid contact lenses for 2 weeks

✖ Avoid strenuous exercise for 2 weeks (this includes bending over, straining, lifting >7kg, running, jogging, yoga). You may continue with gentle walking instead.

✖ Avoid swimming for 4 weeks

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Symptoms to look out for and when to seek help

You should contact your surgeon or attend your nearest A&E department immediately if you experience any of the following after your surgery:

• Uncontrolled bleeding (blood loss of more than two tablespoons, or bleeding that does not stop even after pressure has been applied to the wound for 30 minutes).

• The wound has come open

• Your eyelid becomes very red, warm to touch and tender, and/or there is pus coming from the wound

• You experience loss of vision unrelated to applying the eye ointment

• Severe pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter painkillers

 

Post-operative appointment

Remember to attend your post-operative follow-up appointments with Miss Ting, as these visits are an important part of your recovery. During these check-ups, she will carefully assess your healing, monitor for any signs of complications, and provide guidance on how to care for the area as it continues to settle. These appointments are also a chance to ask any questions or discuss concerns, ensuring you feel fully supported throughout the healing process.

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