Shopping List

See our list of must-purchase items and products, plus recommendations for purchase here.

The following items are also available for in office purchase:

• In-office vitamin shots
  • We recommend vitamin B12 and glutathione shots at your pre op visit, in addition to the first and second post op visits to optimize recovery
  • Glutathione is an antioxidant that helps the body heal at a cellular level after surgery. It helps by regulating oxidative stress, which can increase during and after surgery and affect the body’s inflammatory response and hemodynamic stability. Glutathione also helps to remove free radicals from cells and blood before they can cause oxidative damage. In addition, glutathione can help the body build and repair DNA and help the body use other key nutrients such as vitamins C and E.
  • B12 plays a vital role in your body and can help contribute to energy production, production of red blood cells, brain function, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.
• Skinuva Scar Gel
  • Start applying 2 weeks after surgery over your scars. Use for 6-8 weeks
• Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment
  • Start 4 weeks prior to procedure to enhance results
• Alastin INhance Post-Injection Serum
  • Apply to skin around (not directly on) the incisions for the first two weeks post op to promote faster healing of bruising and swelling
• Arnica Montana Tablets
  • Sublingual tablets- take as directed on the package.
• Bromelain with Quercetin tablets
  • All-natural supplement formulated with two botanicals that exhibit excellent properties for maintaining healthy tissue and joint health during times of physical stress. Take as directed on the package.
• Recovery Support Program
  • Vitamins that support tissue repair and healthy immune system function. Exclude Vitamin E and herbals that allow you to take your daily vitamins and supplements without an increased risk of bleeding during your surgery.
• Pick up prescribed prescriptions & over the counter (OTC) medications
  • Prescribed medications will be sent directly to your pharmacy, they will contact you when ready for pick up. Please fill your prescriptions prior to surgery and have them ready at home. Do not take anything before surgery except the Arnica Montana Tablets, Bromelain Tablets, and Recovery Support System (can start supplements 2 weeks prior to surgery).
  • OTC medications
    • Extra Strength Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
      • Alternative to narcotic pain medication if pain is not severe. Do NOT take NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Aspirin, Aleve, etc.)
      • Do not exceed 3500 mg (3.5 g) of Tylenol in any 24 hour period
    • Stool Softener (Colace, Miralax)
      • Helps with constipation related to narcotic pain medication
      • Can take one pill morning after procedure and continue each morning until bowel movements are regular

2 Weeks Before & After Surgery Substances/Medications to STOP 🛑

• NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, etc.)
• Green tea
• Alcohol, nicotine
• Supplements, vitamins
• All herbal supplements
• Please refer to the list of medications and supplements to avoid before surgery

What to do Morning of Surgery

• Shower the night before or morning of your surgery with Dial soap to help reduce risk of infection. Do not apply makeup, lotions, hair products, perfumes, etc.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Set up home recovery area: pillows, blankets, books, televisions
• Keep your valuables at home. You may bring your glasses and a pair of sunglasses for the car ride home.
• Do not wear contact lenses.

Day Of Surgery

• Dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Shirts that can be buttoned or zipped up are preferred.
• Arrive to the facility 2 hours prior to your surgery start time. Remember to bring a form of identification.
• Do not wear any makeup, jewelry, creams/lotions, hair products, sunscreen, and remove all piercings.
• Have your support person available to take you home and help you at home for the first 24-48 hours.

After Surgery Instructions

• Sleep with your head elevated on several pillows formed into a wedge and lay on your back for the first 3-5 days. This will help decrease swelling and soreness.
• Activity
  • For the first 48 hours, rest quietly, you may get up to use the bathroom or to take a light walk around the house. Exercise caution in your home and be careful with tasks such as climbing stairs when you are taking pain medication.
  • When bending, bed at the knees only, keeping your head elevated.
  • It will be at least 2 weeks before you can begin light exercise such as walking or using a stationary bike.
  • Jogging is permitted at 3 weeks post op.
  • Heavy or very strenuous activities are not permitted for 6 weeks post op. After 6 weeks you may resume normal exercise as tolerated but expect to go back as gradually as if you’ve had an injury. You should exert yourself at about 50% of your normal level for up to 6-8 weeks.
  • No lifting of objects greater than 5 lbs.
  • Most patients can drive after one week. Be aware that pain medications cause drowsiness and should not be used before driving.
  • Limit strain on the eyes, the less TV, computers, phones, and other screen devices the less strain on your eyes and better your healing and recovery.
• Bathing
  • On the first day after your operation, you may gently wash your face by patting it with a face cloth.
  • You may shower and wash your hair 3 days after the operation, doing your best to not saturate your dressings. You can use regular shampoo or soap. Make sure no pressure of the water is directly on your eyes.
  • Do not submerge your face in water. No hot tubs/baths/swimming pools or standing water until your incisions have healed and approved by your surgeon. This is usually around 6 weeks post op.
• Nutrition
  • The most common complaint after the operation is nausea, although this generally passes within 24-48 hours. If not nauseated, you may start with a light meal such as soup, crackers, toast, ect following surgery.
  • It is important to drink liquids frequently after your operation. Do not take your pain medication on an empty stomach as you may experience nausea and/or vomiting.
  • Avoid alcohol for 2 weeks and while you are still having to take pain medication
• What to expect
  • You may have blurred vision because of the ointment in your eyes after surgery. Vision usually clears within a few days. Although blurry vision is normal, vision loss is not. Please report vision loss ASAP.
  • You will have bruising and swelling around your eyes and face that will take 1-2 weeks to subside. The bruising and swelling may gradually get worse on days 2-3 after surgery before it starts to improve.
  • Your incisions may be red, raised, and feel hard for several months, but most incisions are inconspicuous after 2-3 weeks.
  • Parts of the eyelids may feel numb or lumpy after, this is temporary and to be expected. It may take months to feel normal again.
  • It is normal to feel some pain and itching as your incision heals, this is normal and will resolve in a few weeks.
• Incision care
  • Keep ice compresses on your eyelids for the first 48 hours for no more than 20 minute increments. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with the skin as frostbite can occur.
  • Use Lubricant eye drops in the eyes during the first 3-4 weeks and as needed for comfort. Be gentle when applying the drops. Eye ointment is helpful at night if eyelids do not fully close in the first month, or if there is persistent dryness
  • No eye makeup for 10 days post procedure
  • Do not wear fake eyelashes or contact lenses for at least 3 weeks post procedure.
  • Avoid and minimize sun exposure. Even a mild sunburn can worsen swelling and irritate an incision that is healing.
  • After 2 weeks post op you may start using your scar gel to improve healing.
• Travel/Return to work
  • You cannot travel via airplane for at least 1 week after surgery. All airplane travel within 4 weeks of surgery must be approved by Dr. Maia. *If you still have lifting restrictions, please enlist the help from others to assist in lifting/carrying your luggage*
  • In general, you will need at least 1-2 weeks off from work. You will feel fine before 2 weeks, but bruising often lasts 14 days; occasionally longer.
• Medications
  • Use the pain medication as prescribed when you are feeling uncomfortable.
  • DO NOT use aspirin or ibuprofen-containing products for 2-3 weeks to reduce bleeding risk.
  • Make sure to start your antibiotic the night of your surgery and take all tablets as prescribed until finished.
• When to call the office or go to the hospital
  • Signs of infection
    • Spreading redness, worsening swelling, increased drainage or drainage of pus, worsening pain not relieved by pain medication, warmth at the incision site and temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Vision LOSS (not blurry vision)
  • Excessive bleeding
    • If dressings are saturated with bright red blood and you are having to make very frequent dressing changes
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain. Lightheadedness that does not quickly resolve. Severe vomiting, pain, or asymmetric pain/swelling in legs/calves.

NOTE: Pain medication may be filled up to two weeks post op at the doctor’s discretion. Please submit prescription refill requests before 12 p.m. Friday.

Follow-up Appointments

• You will have several follow-up appointments after your blepharoplasty operation.
• Your first follow-up is typically within 1 week. At this time, you will have your sutures removed.
• Subsequent appointments will be suggested by Dr. Maia
• After all stitches have been removed, the scars will appear a deep pink color. With time the pink will fade and become white, the firmness of the scar will soften, and they will become less noticeable. Each individual varies with respect to healing, but it takes approximately a year for these changes to occur and the scars to look their best. Expect to see final result at one year as the healing process takes time

Someone from Maia Plastic Surgery will call you to inquire about your condition and answer any questions you may have.