Preparing for your Blepharoplasty Surgery

Contents

1. What to AVOID 2 Weeks Before Surgery
2. What You Need
3. How to Care for Incisions
4. What you Need to Know
5. What to AVOID post-surgery

PRE / POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any concerns or questions prior to your surgery, you are encouraged to speak to Dr. Solomon in advance to ensure you are fully prepared for your surgical date.

1. What to AVOID 2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Smoking/Vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil)
• Alcohol for at least 2 weeks pre-op, as it may increase bruising and prolong swelling.
• Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon
• MUST discontinue Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen and blood thinners, as these products may increase bleeding and prolong swelling.
• MUST avoid Garlic extract, fish oils and Vitamin E and Arnica

2. What You Need:

• Q-Tips and 4×4 non-woven sterile gauze.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Polysporin ointment.
• Refresh Tears eye drops.
• Vitamin C – Patients may take up to 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily for up to 2 weeks prior to surgery.
• Prescription for anti-biotics and pain. Provided by the hospital on the day of your surgery or by our Surgical Centre prior to surgery at our clinic.
• Ice packs.
• Patients must have a ride arranged and confirmed.
• Please arrive clean shaven for surgery.
• Please remove all jewellery and makeup from the neck up on the day of your surgery.
• Recommended: Arnica by Sinecch, an herbal supplement to help minimize bruising and swelling to be taken following your surgery.
• Sold in our clinic.
• Recommended: Dermatix gel for scar healing.

3. How to Care for Incisions:

• Clean incisions twice a day (morning and before bed) with hydrogen peroxide using a Q-Tip or sterile non-woven gauze. Lightly dab or wipe area. Avoid rubbing.
• Let dry for 2 minutes.
• Apply Polysporin ointment after cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide, for up to 7 days.
• If steri-strips were applied to the incisions by Dr. Solomon directly after surgery, please avoid getting them wet and they will be removed by the nurse upon your 10 day follow up.
• If no steri-strips are in place, please do not cover the incisions, leave them open to air.
• You may apply ice packs to the swollen areas for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours or less. This will help reduce swelling. Please ensure you place sterile gauze between the ice pack and the skin.

4. What you Need to Know:

• Please take your anti-biotic and pain medication as prescribed.
• Best to separate anti-biotic and pain medication, 2 hours apart to avoid nausea/vomiting.
• Bruising and swelling is to be expected and can take up to 2 weeks to resolve.
• The sutures used in an upper eyelid blepharoplasty are removed 10 days post-operatively.
• Sutures may be used in a lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, if so they will be dissolvable sutures, thus not requiring removal.
• Sleep with your head propped up with 2-3 pillows for the first 3 days.
• Standard post-operative bruising and swelling may last for 7-14 days. With minimal swelling lasting several weeks. Please be patient.
• You may experience pain during the recovery process. Take Tylenol for pain.
• Bathing is allowed one day post-operatively. Avoid direct stream of water for one week.
• No Air travel for 48 hours following your surgery.

5. What to AVOID post-surgery:

• Avoid bending over or lifting heavy things for one week. Besides aggravating swelling, this may raise your blood pressure and start haemorrhage.
• Avoid smoking/vaping (Nicotine, Marijuana and CBD oil), for one month as it may prolong healing and increase risk of complications.
• Alcohol for at least 2 week pre-op and 2 weeks post-operatively, as it may cause fluid retention and prolong swelling. Alcohol should not be taken with pain medication.
• Naturopathic or herbal medications, unless approved by Dr. Solomon
  Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen, as these products may prolong swelling.
• Moderate physical exercise for up to 4 weeks post-operatively.
• Strenuous physical exercise for up to 6 weeks post-operatively.
• Direct sun exposure on incisions for up to 12 months. Use a minimum of SPF 45 daily.

If you experience any of the following listed below, please contact Dr. Solomon directly by email at info@solomonfacialplastic.com

• If you develop a large firm mass extending from the surgical area.
• If you develop a rash, persistent fever, chills or sweating.
• If you notice a foul odour or yellow drainage coming from the incision sites.
• If you experience severe pain, that is not controlled with Tylenol.
• If you experience persistent bleeding that does not resolve in 20 minutes or with direct pressure.
• Persistent vomiting and inability to drink liquids for greater than 4 hours.
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs.

IF WE ARE NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED, PLEASE GO TO YOUR NEAREST HOSPTIAL EMERGENCY FOR ASSESSMENT.

Please notify Dr. Philip Solomon of any unexpected admission to a hospital within 10 days of your procedure.

If you require any clarification regarding these instructions or would like to arrange a follow up appointment with the nurse, please call the office at 905.764.7799 or email us at officestaff.solomon@gmail.com.