Eyelid Surgery Post-Procedure Instructions 

Activity 

• You will need to keep your head elevated, avoid bending your head down, straining and minimize any coughing. 

• Avoid sports and other strenuous activities for 4 weeks. 

• It is very important to begin walking with assistance today, DO NOT remain in bed. 

• No driving until 24 hours after your last narcotic pain medication dose. 

Home Care 

• Sleep with your head elevated above heart level for 3 weeks. This will help decrease swelling and soreness. A sofa cushion under your mattress works better than trying to sleep on more than one pillow. 

• You may apply cooling pack to your eyes throughout the day for the first 48 hours; the cooling pack should be left on for no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. 

• Many patients found the following helpful: When you get home pour chilled bottled water in a bowl & dip 4 by 4-inch gauze in the water. Place the gauze over the lids (keeping the eyes closed). 

• You may shower 24 hours after surgery. Do not scrub the incision sites, just rinse and pat them dry. Keep the incision sites clean and dry. 

• You will have Ophthalmic Ointment to apply to the incisions throughout the day and to moistened eyes while you sleep. 

• Do not use make up until cleared 

• Please plan to have a responsible adult with you for at least 24 hours following surgery. 

What to Expect 

• Swelling and bruising can occur 48-72 hours post op. 

• Moderate discomfort – take pain medication as needed 

• Blurred vision, photosensitivity, tearing, or dryness may occur. Use dark glasses and lubricating eye ointment as needed. 

• It is common to have dry eyes during the first week after the surgery, follow the instructions below to help with dry eyes. • Put two drops of artificial tears (not 

Visine) in both eyes four times a day for the first two weeks following surgery. Use Lubri-Fresh ointment (can get from pharmacy store OTC) directly into the eye at night to lubricate the eyes while you sleep. 

• Avoid salty food and carbohydrates. 

• You may resume driving after two or three days, if your vision is clear and you feel comfortable and alert. You may not drive if you are taking any other pain medication other than Tylenol. 

Medication & Comfort 

• You should take the scheduled tylenol, gabapentin, and celecoxib for pain relief as prescribed. Breakthrough pain with the opiate medications. 

• Pain medications may cause drowsiness, upset stomach, and constipation. 

• Take pain medications with food. 

• Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking prescribed pain medication. 

• Refills are only available during office hours – 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. If you feel you need more pain medication, please call during those times. 

Call the nurse line (806 810 5828) if you notice: 

• More swelling on one side than the other. 

• Large spots of drainage that soak through the bandages. 

• Severe pain not responding to medication. 

• Fever greater than 101°F 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Signs of infection: If you notice foul-smelling drainage, redness, excessive swelling and pain in the treated areas, please notify us immediately. 

• Final Results: Expect the best results 6-12 months AFTER the surgery. 

If you have an issue after hours, contact Dr. Boonipat directly at 603 731 6888 

I have read and understand ALL the above instructions. I understand that the following instructions are solely my responsibility for a better post-surgical recovery. I understand that it is my responsibility to ask the surgeon about any questions or concerns related to my procedure, health, and healing process.