Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
A blepharoplasty is an operation used to remove excess skin from the eyelids. As we age, the skin of the upper eyelids can become loose and hang down in front of your eyes, which may affect your vision. If this is affecting your visibility you can have this surgery performed on the NHS. This will be assessed in the eye clinic by an examination and visual field tests.
Before surgery
Certain medications predispose to excessive bleeding such as:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Warfarin
- Clopidogrel
- Rivaroxaban
- Apixaban
- Edoxaban
- Dabigatran
You will be asked to check with your GP if it is okay to stop these for a short while before surgery. This can help reduce the amount of bleeding during the surgery and the amount of bruising you can expect afterwards.
You will be asked to sign a consent form after the eye doctor has explained the operation, the benefits and any risks involved. The main benefit is improved visibility.
The potential risks of surgery
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Over-correction - too much skin is removed which can affect closure of the eyelids.
- Under correction - not enough skin is removed.
- Asymmetry - the eyelids may look unequal.
- Recurrence - the problem may come back again.
Although it is important for you to be aware of any potential risks, every effort is made to avoid these problems.
What happens on the day?
This is day surgery, so you will be able to go home the same day. You cannot drive home after your operation, so any necessary arrangements should be made in advance.
The surgery is normally performed under local anaesthetic (injections are given to numb the skin but you are awake). The incision is made on the upper eyelid in your natural skin crease and any redundant skin is then removed.
Antibiotic ointment is applied to the eyes and to the eyelids at the end of your operation. The eyelids are padded until the next morning. You can remove this yourself at home. If you are having both sides done, you will have only one eye padded up so that you can see with the other eye.
There is likely to be some dried blood when you remove your pad which you should clean gently from your eye.
After the surgery
Ice packs should be applied for 10 minutes 4 times a day for 5 days after you have removed your eye pad. You will be given antibiotic ointment and/or drops to apply at night (to the eye and the eyelid) and antibiotic drops to use during the day.
It is best not to drive for a few days after surgery as your vision is likely to be blurred. You should avoid excessive physical activity for about a week. If there is any pain, you may take paracetamol.
Your eyelids will be bruised and swollen for about 2 weeks. It takes longer than this for things to settle down completely. A scar is present on your upper eyelid but this normally heals very well and is well hidden in your natural skin crease.
The doctor or nurse practitioner will see you in the eye clinic 1-2 weeks later to remove your stitches and to check that the eyelids have healed properly before you are discharged.
If you have any unexpected problems after the surgery, you should contact one of the following numbers for further advice:
| From 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: | 0300 373 5884 |
| From 5pm to 9am and at weekends: | 0300 614 5000 and ask for the Eye Doctor on call |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/022
Approval date:
5 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.