Preparing for an operation

Treatment

The operation consists of lifting the eyelid by stitching the muscle to where it was originally attached. To do this, an incision is made in the eyelid fold, something that is later almost invisible. During the procedure the eyelid is repositioned to the right height as far as possible. Stress (eyelid will droop less), swelling and the anaesthetic may result in it being impossible to put the eyelid in the correct position. Sometimes the eyelid is repositioned correctly, and only later does it look too low or too high. It can be a while before the position stabilises.

Before the operation

10 days before the operation, you should stop taking blood thinners. This should always occur after consultation with and permission from your GP. If you take Marcoumar, Marevan, Plavix or aspirin, then you and your doctor will draw up a treatment schedule whereby you will be given substitute medicines. If the doctor advises you not to stop taking blood thinners due to your general pathology, it might be necessary to reconsider undergoing surgery.

Day before the operation

  • Get ‘ice glasses’ from the pharmacy
  • Sunglasses or protective hat.
  • Dafalgan painkillers.

The day of the operation

  • You do not need to refrain from eating. Take all medication as usual (except for blood thinners)
  • Don’t wear mascara, make-up, earrings or necklaces. Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Don’t wear contact lenses.
  • Bring photos of how you used to look. A before and after photo will be taken so that you can assess the difference for yourself.

Inform the nurse and doctor if you are allergic to any medicines, disinfectants or plasters.
The operation will take approximately 1.5 hours. It may take longer for some patients if underlying fat tissue has to be removed. If there is any delay with patients before you, you will have to wait a little.

During the operation

  • First a felt-tip pen is used to make a drawing on your skin of where the incision will be made. The surgical incision will be positioned in the natural fold of the eyelid.
  • Then the whole face is disinfected with isobetadine (if allergy: chlorhexidine) and sterile cloths are wound around the patient’s head (there will be no cloths on the nose and mouth restricting breathing).
  • During the operation you must not touch your face so as to keep it sterile.
  • Then subcutaneous injections are given (lidocaine 2% with 1:100 000 adrenaline). These injections are similar to those used by your dentist. The anaesthetic takes immediate effect and lasts for about 1 hour.
  • During the operation you will be placed upright a few times, so that the surgeon can better assess the effect of the operation.
  • Non-soluble sutures or medical skin glue is used for stitching (soluble sutures cause a reaction which makes the scars more noticeable).
  • At the end of the operation, an antibiotic ointment is applied to the eyelids. Then you will be given an icepack to place over your eyes for half an hour. When you get home it is important for you to put this ice pack over your eyes for 10 minutes every hour. An alternative is to use a bag of frozen peas because these can be nicely moulded over your eyelids. This cooling effect is very important for reducing swelling, but only works up to 24 hours after the operation.
  • If you are suffering any pain, you can take Dafalgan (this contains no bloodthinning agent).

Day after the operation

Cooling of the eyelids with ice every hour (for 10 minutes). You will notice that the swelling will continue to increase up to 3 days after the operation, then it will subside.

First week after the operation

  • During the first few weeks the eye may be a little dry, which is why it is important to apply an ointment every evening (e. g. Duratears eye ointment). A few artificial tears during the day can also be useful.
  • For about 1 week the skin may be a blue colour; the swelling can last up to 3 weeks. Don’t worry about the bruising; this will gradually disappear.
  • As long as the stitches are still present, you should avoid getting water on the wound, and it is also better not to apply make-up to the eye area.
  • Don’t massage the eyelids for the first three weeks.
  • Don’t apply any bandage to the eyelids.
  • Removing stitches and check-up
  • 5-7 days after the operation, the stitches are removed. From this moment on, you may use water on your eyelids.
  • There is another check-up 4 weeks after the operation.

 

If you want more information, or would like to make an appointment:
Contact us or call 0032 (0)2 741 69 99