Pre-Surgery Preparation
Pre-Surgical Testing
To schedule your surgery, call our surgical scheduler at 212-884-8297 or fax 212-889-1534. They will assist you in arranging the necessary testing with your internist or at PACC. Testing must be completed within one month of surgery.
Medications and Supplements
Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), or medications containing these ingredients for two weeks before surgery. Avoid Vitamin E supplements (beyond a multivitamin) and herbal remedies such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng during this period.
Smoking
Do not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery, as smoking impairs healing.
Sun Exposure
Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery and protect all scars from sun for 6–12 months afterward using a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun exposure can slow healing and darken scars.
Ice Packs
Purchase two 2-pound bags of frozen peas to use as ice packs after surgery.
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything (including water, gum, or candy) after midnight the night before surgery.
Transportation
Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You will not be allowed to leave alone.
Pharmacy Prep
Provide your pharmacy’s phone number to our staff so your prescriptions can be called in ahead of time. Pick them up before surgery. Have Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment ready at home to care for your incisions.
Day of Surgery
Clothing
Wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front. Avoid clothing that goes over your head (T-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks).
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat or drink anything the morning of surgery (you may brush your teeth, but do not swallow water).
Medications
Take only the medications your doctor has instructed you to take that morning (with a small sip of water if needed).
Personal Items
Leave jewelry and valuables at home.
Makeup and Grooming
Do not wear facial or eye makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses (wear glasses instead).
Dentures
If you wear dentures, you may leave them in during surgery.
After Surgery (Post-Operative Care)
Dressings
Keep eye tapes on until we instruct you to remove them (or we remove them in the office). You may gently wash your face but avoid disturbing the tapes. When showering, keep the tapes dry.
Diet
No food restrictions.
Activity
Avoid strenuous activity (gym, bending, straining, sexual activity, or lifting heavy objects) for 1 week. Gentle walks are fine. Rest and relax as much as possible.
Sun
Avoid sun exposure and heat for 6 weeks post-surgery, as both can prolong swelling.
Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising around the nose, eyes, and upper lip is normal. It usually resolves within 2 weeks, though subtle swelling may take up to 6 months to fully subside.
Medications and Wound Care
Take only medications prescribed by your doctor. Clean your stitches with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip, then apply a thin layer of ophthalmic ointment.
Contact Lenses
You may wear contact lenses the day after surgery.
Makeup
You may wear makeup once the eye tapes are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.), and any medications containing these ingredients at least two weeks before surgery. Additionally, avoid Vitamin E supplements beyond a multivitamin and herbal remedies such as garlic, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng during this period to reduce bleeding risks.
On the day of surgery, wear loose-fitting clothing that buttons or zips in the front, avoid eating or drinking anything including water, and only take medications your doctor has approved with a small sip of water. Leave jewelry and valuables at home, do not wear makeup, nail polish, or contact lenses, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
After surgery, keep eye tapes on until instructed to remove them, avoid strenuous activities for one week, and protect your eyes from sun and heat for six weeks. Swelling and bruising are normal and usually resolve within two weeks. Clean stitches with hydrogen peroxide and apply ophthalmic ointment as directed. Contact lenses can be worn the day after surgery, and makeup once the tapes are removed.
No, you should not smoke for two weeks before and two weeks after eyelid surgery. Smoking impairs healing and can increase the risk of complications during the recovery process.
Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery to promote better healing. After surgery, protect all scars from sun for 6 to 12 months using a high-SPF sunscreen, and avoid sun and heat exposure for six weeks post-surgery to reduce swelling and prevent darkening of scars.
Before surgery, have two 2-pound bags of frozen peas for ice packs, Q-tips, hydrogen peroxide, and bacitracin ointment ready at home to care for your incisions. Also, ensure your prescriptions are filled before the surgery date.
You may wear contact lenses starting the day after surgery. Makeup can be applied once the eye tapes are removed, as instructed by your doctor, to avoid disturbing the healing incisions.