The following are some suggestions to
help make your surgery with Dr.
Goldstein a more pleasant experience.
- Do not use any aspirin, ibuprofen, or herbal products
for 2 weeks prior to surgery (Please see list). If you have
another medical condition that requires you to take aspirin
or ibuprofen and it would be dangerous to stop these medicines,
then by all means continue to take them. Just be sure to
mention this to your surgeon prior to the day of surgery.
- Do not take any Vitamin E for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Vitamin E also increases bleeding time and can increase
the amount of bruising following surgery. Since most multi-vitamins
contain Vitamin E, you should avoid these for 2 weeks prior
to surgery.
- Vitamin C taken prior to surgery and following surgery
is reportedly helpful in wound healing. You may want to
consider taking 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C once a day
starting 3 days prior to the surgery and continuing for
1 week following surgery.
- On the day of surgery, clean your face with a mild cleanser.
- DO NOT WEAR MAKE-UP ON THE DAY OF SURGERY.
- Avoid tanning for 2 weeks prior to surgery (including
tanning booths) and ask Dr. Goldstein as to when you may
resume tanning. Remember that excessive sun exposure on
a new scar can lead to permanent darkening of the scar.
- Do not use any exfoliating scrubs, hydroxyl acid products
or Retin-A™ for one week prior to any cosmetic surgery.
- DO NOT EAT OR DRINK after midnight the
night before any operations. Medications can be taken with
sips of water the morning of surgery if necessary.
- Never hesitate to ask your doctor or his staff any questions
you have before or after surgery.
Healing from Surgery
Recovering from surgery takes time and patience. During the
days following surgery several things can be done help the
healing process and keep you comfortable.
Bruising & Swelling:
Surgical procedures, no matter how delicately performed,
will induce varying amounts of bruising and swelling. This
is a normal part of eye and facial surgery. Thankfully, most
swelling and bruising will resolve after 1-2 weeks. Here are
some helpful hints to improve and aid you in recovery.
Cold Compresses:
These are very helpful, especially around the eyes. Cold
compresses should be applied as much as possible for the first
2-3 days after surgery. This can be done in several ways.
A wash cloth may be soaked in a bowl of ice water, rung out,
and applied to the surgical areas every 20 minutes while awake.
A second option is to apply a zip lock plastic baggie filled
with frozen veggies. This stays colder longer, is less messy
and nicely contours to your eyes. If this is too cold, wrap
the baggie in a small, thin towel.
Homeopathic / Vitamin supplements:
A variety of remedies are available to help minimize bruising
as well as speed up healing. Arnica is probably the most utilized
agent but a complete list is provided to choose from. These
can be started with in a few days before surgery and typically
continued for about a week afterwards.
- Arnica Montana - this homeopathic remedy is well known
for its ability to minimize post operative bruising and
swelling. To use this product, place 3 or 4 pellets under
your tongue the night before surgery. Continue taking the
pellets 4 times daily for 5 days. Arnica can be purchased
at most health food stores.
- Bromelain - Another homeopathic remedy useful to minimize
bruising and swelling. Take 1000mg daily for 5 days after
surgery.
- Vitamin A - improves wound healing. Take 25,000 IU daily
for 5 days.
- Vitamin C - important part of natural wound healing process.
Take 1000mg daily for 7 days.
- Vitamin E cream - this topical treatment can be applied
to old incisions starting 2 weeks after surgery for 2-3
months.
Post-operative Instructions for wound care, exercise and
follow-up:
Do not rub the incision site for 10 days. Do not swim for
10 days. You may shower the day after surgery, but do not
rub the incision site. Otherwise keep incisions clean and
dry. No eye makeup for 2 weeks near incisions. You may use
cover up over bruising on the cheeks if needed.
Do not lift objects heavier than 20 pounds for 7 days. No
strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks.
There are may be small adhesive strips on your incision site.
You may apply ointment directly on top of these strips. If
they become loose, you may gently peel them off, otherwise,
leave them on the incision. Leave any bandage on until seen
by the doctor, unless instructed otherwise. Do not blow your
nose for 5 days if surgery on the nose or sinuses were completed.
Make sure to follow up for your post operative care as instructed.
This is usually done with in one week of surgery.
Your Medications and Surgery
Surgery is obviously an invasive procedure and thus bleeding
and bruising are to be expected. Most eyelid and facial surgery
has only slight bruising that will last 1-2 weeks. However
certain prescription and many over the counter medications
can thin the blood increasing your risk for both bleeding
during or after surgery as well as post operative bruising.
Thus it is imperative to discuss all your medications and
supplements with your surgeon prior to any surgical procedure.
Medications and dietary supplements that increase your risk
of bleeding and bruising can be broken down into four major
categories:
- Aspirin containing products
- NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil,
Motrin or Alleve)
- Blood thinners/anti-clotting medications
- Herbal / dietary supplements
These various medications may be used to treat pain, arthritis,
inflammatory conditions, or as part of a cold remedy. Blood
thinners are used in patients with heart disease and other
conditions that increase risk for clotting. Herbs and vitamins
are used to promote better health.
The bottom line is, it is important to know ALL your
medications. If you are taking any of these products,
we usually like to stop them 2 weeks before surgery, if medically
possible. Other medications for things like diabetes or high
blood pressure should not be stopped. Please discuss these
issues, and your medications, with your personal physician
and with Dr Goldstein.
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