PRE-OPERATIVE CONSULTATION

Before deciding on eyelid surgery, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-operative consultation. During this consultation, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you.

You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. You are welcome to bring another person to the pre-consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the pre-consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

In an upper eyelid surgery, the scar is placed as discreetly as possible in the eyelid crease, which means it will become almost invisible over time. It is normal for the scar to extend slightly beyond the outer corner of the eye to prevent the formation of a skin fold.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely.

If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, so you are awake during the procedure and can go home shortly afterward. When the surgery starts, you will receive local anesthesia in the entire area. You will feel the surgeon working but it should not be painful, just a bit uncomfortable.



SURGERY

First, the surgeon administers local anesthesia with a very thin needle, which may sting a bit but is over quickly. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon makes an incision and removes excess skin, and in some cases, fat tissue underneath.

Finally, the skin is sutured with a very thin thread, and small plasters are applied to the wounds. The surgery typically lasts 45-90 minutes, and you will have closed eyes throughout the procedure.



AFTER THE SURGERY

After the surgery, you should stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes. You will be given cooling glasses to minimize the risk of bleeding and swelling. Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY

It is important to take it easy for the first days after the surgery and generally listen to your body’s signals to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and consume a sensible protein-rich diet.

Avoid hot, spicy, or solid foods in the first few days.
Also, avoid bending forward, as this reduces the risk of swelling and bleeding.
Take it easy for the first few days to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling.



PAIN

This operation is associated with relatively little pain, but you should expect significant swelling and discoloration.
It is important to take the prescribed medication. The medication will reduce pain, but you should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days.

Many people experience stabbing and sharp pain in the operated area. This is normal and occurs because the nerves are re-establishing connections. These sensations can last for up to 1 year after the surgery.

You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day.
The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.

It is important to use the provided cooling glasses diligently as they prevent bleeding, swelling, and provide pain relief. Consider purchasing an extra set of cooling glasses.



ACTIVITY

For the first week, avoid bending forward so that your face is below heart level. Also, avoid activities that raise your pulse and blood pressure.



WORK

You can likely return to work after a few days, but if your job is physically demanding, you should wait at least 2 weeks. Expect discoloration and swelling around the eyes for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. Consider this for any upcoming events.



SLEEPING POSITION

Sleep on your back with your head elevated using a couple of extra pillows for the first few days.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after the surgery or when there is no longer any discharge from the wounds (unless you have drains). Before showering, remove the compressive bandage and the absorbing dressing. The plasters MUST remain in place until your follow-up visit; they can withstand a shower. Do not touch the threads under the plasters. It can withstand water.

Take a gentle shower, rinse the wounds to wash away soap residues (do not wash or scrub the wounds), and pat dry with a clean towel before putting the compressive bandage back on.

You should avoid taking baths, swimming in the sea, or going to a swimming pool and sauna until the stitches are removed and the wounds are fully healed.



CREAM AND MAKEUP

Avoid using cream or makeup in the operated area until the wounds are completely healed and there are no visible scabs.



BLEEDING

Some discharge from the wounds with bloody fluid is normal immediately after surgery. You will be given gauze to dab with. Very rarely, a bleeding may occur that requires a new operation to stop the bleeding. This does not affect the result but may cause increased swelling and discoloration during the recovery process.

A minor bleed can usually be stopped by resting and applying firm, constant pressure with something cold for about 15 minutes to the area. Symptoms of a bleed include severe or sudden swelling, discoloration, and intense pain. If you experience this, contact the clinic.



SCARS

The scars from the surgery will typically be red and swollen but will improve over 6-24 months. Over time, scars usually become narrow and lighter I color, but in some cases, they may become wide and darkly pigmented.

You may apply a soothing cream to the scars once they are completely healed. Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of infection, slow healing, and unsightly scars.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

Upon discharge, you will be provided with a phone number for contacting the clinic 24/7 in case of an emergency. Additionally, you will receive a call from a nurse the day after your surgery to answer any questions and ensure you are doing well.



FOLLOW-UP

After 9-12 days, you will have a follow-up with a nurse in the outpatient clinic. The plasters will be removed, the wounds checked, and the stitches removed. We will discuss how to manage the scars going forward. You will also be offered a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you encounter any issues before then, you are always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms usually appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary greatly from person to person. Most scars become neat and white over time, but some people tend to form red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Hematoma: A blood accumulation that can occur within the first day after surgery. If it settles behind the eye (retrobulbar hematoma), it requires emergency surgery as it can lead to blindness.

Reduced Sensation: Sensory disturbances and reduced sensation in the operated area, especially near the eyelashes, may occur. This usually resolves within 6-9 months, but in some cases, it may be permanent.

Bruising and Swelling: This is completely normal and will decrease over the first few weeks.

Unevenness and Asymmetry: The skin may become uneven, and asymmetry may occur. Asymmetry is naturally common, and although surgery can even it out, there is always a small risk of uneven results. The poorer the skin quality, the greater the risk that the skin may loosen again over time, and asymmetry may recur.

Blurred Vision: This usually decreases within the first month. It may be comfortable to use sunglasses during this period.

Increased Tearing or Dryness in the First Week: Neutral eye drops can help relieve itching and burning discomfort.