Immediate Priorities (First 48–72 Hours)
Positioning & Swelling Control
- Maintain head elevation (30–45°) at all times, including during sleep
→ Use 2–3 pillows or a recliner chair
→ Reduces oedema via gravitational drainage - Apply cold compress / ice packs:
- 10–15 minutes every hour while awake (first 48 hours)
- Wrap ice in clean cloth (avoid direct skin contact)
- Avoid excessive pressure on eyelids
Medications
- Antibiotics (if prescribed):
Complete full course to reduce infection risk - Analgesia:
- Usually mild discomfort only
- Paracetamol preferred
- Avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) in early phase if bleeding risk
- Topical antibiotic ointment:
- Apply gently to incision lines at night
- Avoid excessive quantity
- Lubrication (very important):
- Artificial tear drops during the day (4–6 times daily)
- Prevents exposure keratopathy / dry eye syndrome
- Particularly critical in patients with lagophthalmos no
Eye Care & Protection
Ocular Surface Management
- Expect:
- Mild dryness
- Watering
- Light sensitivity
- Avoid:
- Rubbing eyes
- Contact lenses (usually 2 weeks minimum, or as advised)
- Use sunglasses outdoors
Wound Care & Hygiene
- Showering:
- Below neck: from Day 1
- Face/eyelids: as advised (typically after 48–72 hrs)
- Cleaning:
- Gently cleanse with clean water or saline
- Pat dry (no rubbing)
- Clinicept antimicrobial spray:
- After shower
- Before bedtime
- Allow to air dry (no wiping)
- Sutures:
- Usually fine non-absorbable (removed ~5–7 days) OR absorbable
- Keep clean and dry
Activity & Lifestyle
- Rest for first 3–5 days
- Avoid:
- Bending forward
- Heavy lifting
- Strenuous exercise (2–3 weeks)
- Alcohol & smoking (impairs healing)
- Return to work:
- Typically 7–10 days depending on bruising
Expected Recovery Timeline
Normal Healing Pattern
- Day 1–3: Swelling + bruising peak
- Day 5–7: Sutures removal (if applicable)
- Day 7–14: Visible improvement
- 2–6 weeks: Majority of swelling settles
- 3–6 months: Final refinement
Red Flags (Medical Emergency)
Contact immediately if:
- Sudden severe pain or tight swelling
- Rapid vision changes or loss of vision
- Increasing redness, discharge, or fever
- Persistent bleeding
- Severe asymmetry developing rapidly
Emergency Contact Pathway
Patients should contact (whichever is fastest available):
- Operating Surgeon
- MACS Clinic
- 24-hour NHS GP service
- Local Accident & Emergency (A&E) via National Health Service
Additional Expert Notes (Refined Clinical Considerations)
- Mild lagophthalmos is common early → lubrication is critical
- Chemosis may occur → usually self-limiting, lubrication + head elevation helps
- Avoid aggressive scar massage in early phase
- Makeup can usually be resumed after 10–14 days
- Final scar maturation may take 6–12 months
Summary for Patients (Key Takeaways)
- Head up + ice = reduce swelling
- Drops by day, ointment by night
- Keep wounds clean (Clinicept protocol)
- Avoid strain
- Know warning signs
Contact MACS Clinic
- Phone: 020 7078 4378
- WhatsApp: 07792 648 726
- Email: enquiries@macsclinic.co.uk
- Website: www.macsclinic.co.uk
- BOOK a FREE Video Consultation: https://calendly.com/macsclinic/free-video-consultation?month=2025-01
