You’ve made the decision to move forward with ptosis surgery — and that’s a big step. Whether you’re addressing drooping eyelids that are affecting your vision, your appearance, or both, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make the entire experience smoother, less stressful, and more successful.
Preparation matters. Patients who follow their pre-operative instructions carefully tend to have easier recoveries, fewer complications, and better outcomes. This checklist walks you through everything you need to do and know before your ptosis surgery.
What Ptosis Surgery Involves
Ptosis is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, caused by weakness or stretching of the levator muscle responsible for lifting the lid. Ptosis surgery corrects this by tightening or repositioning that muscle, restoring the eyelid to its proper position.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. It typically takes less than an hour, but it is still surgery, and the preparation you do beforehand has a direct impact on how well and how quickly you heal.
Checklist: The Weeks Leading Up to Your Surgery
☐ Attend your pre-operative consultation and ask all your questions
Your pre-op appointment is one of the most important steps in the process. This is your opportunity to review the surgical plan, confirm the details of your anesthesia, and make sure your doctor has a complete picture of your health history, current medications, and any supplements you take. Come prepared with questions — no concern is too small.
☐ Disclose all medications and supplements
Many common medications and supplements can increase bleeding risk during and after surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions, but as a general rule, you will likely need to stop taking:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other NSAIDs
- Blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or rivaroxaban (only as directed by your prescribing physician)
- Vitamin E supplements
- Fish oil and omega-3 supplements
- Herbal supplements including garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort
Never stop a prescribed medication without first consulting both your surgeon and the doctor who prescribed it.
☐ Stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery
Smoking significantly impairs circulation and tissue healing. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the oxygen supply to healing tissue and increasing the risk of complications, poor healing, and unsatisfactory scarring. If you smoke, stopping at least two weeks before surgery (and ideally longer) gives your body the best chance of a smooth recovery.
☐ Avoid alcohol for at least one week before surgery
Alcohol can thin the blood, interfere with anesthesia, and impair the body’s healing response. Abstaining in the week leading up to your procedure reduces these risks.
☐ Get any required medical clearances
Depending on your age, health history, and the type of anesthesia planned, your surgeon may ask you to obtain clearance from your primary care physician or a specialist. If this is required, arrange it well in advance so it doesn’t delay your surgery date.
☐ Fill your prescriptions ahead of time
You will likely be prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment, and possibly a mild pain reliever, to have ready for after surgery. Pick these up before your procedure so you have everything on hand when you get home.
Checklist: The Week Before Surgery
☐ Arrange your transportation — this is non-negotiable
You will not be able to drive home after you have ptosis surgery. Even if you feel fine, sedation and local anesthesia affect your reflexes and judgment. Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and, ideally, to stay with you for the first several hours after surgery.
☐ Prepare your recovery space at home
A little advance setup makes the first days of recovery much more comfortable. Before surgery, stock your recovery area with:
- Cold compresses or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth (for reducing swelling)
- Extra pillows to keep your head elevated while resting
- Your prescribed eye drops, ointments, and pain relievers
- Gauze or clean, soft cloths for gently cleaning around the eyes
- Artificial tears (preservative-free, if recommended by your surgeon)
- Sunglasses for when you go outside
- Easy-to-prepare foods and plenty of water
☐ Plan for time off work and reduced activity
Most patients need about 1-2 weeks away from work, depending on the nature of their job and how quickly swelling resolves. Jobs that involve screens, reading, or precision work may require a bit more downtime. Plan ahead — it is much easier to build in extra recovery time than to feel rushed back to normal activities before you are ready.
☐ Take steps to avoid illness
The week before surgery, take care of yourself. Avoid crowded places when possible, wash your hands frequently, and stay well-rested. A cold, upper respiratory infection, or active eye infection in the days leading up to surgery may require postponing your procedure.
Checklist: The Day Before Surgery
☐ Follow your fasting instructions carefully
If your procedure involves sedation or general anesthesia, you will receive specific instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery. These instructions must be followed precisely. Failure to fast properly can result in your surgery being delayed or canceled for safety reasons.
☐ Wash your face and eyelids thoroughly
Your surgeon may ask you to cleanse your eyelids and face carefully the night before surgery. Follow any specific instructions, and do not apply any eye creams, skincare products, or makeup after cleansing.
☐ Lay out your clothes and get organized
Choose loose, comfortable clothing for surgery day. Your best bet is something easy to put on and take off, with a front zipper or buttons, rather than anything you pull over your head. Pulling tight clothing over your face after surgery is uncomfortable and risks disturbing the surgical site.
☐ Confirm your ride and post-op support
Double-check that your driver knows the time and location of your procedure, and confirm that you have someone available to help you at home afterward. It is a good idea to have company for the first day, even if you feel relatively well.
Checklist: Surgery Day
☐ Do not apply makeup, lotions, or skincare products
Come to surgery with a completely clean face. No foundation, concealer, eye makeup, eyelash extensions, mascara, or skincare products of any kind. These can introduce bacteria into the surgical field and interfere with the procedure.
☐ Remove contact lenses before arriving
If you wear contact lenses, leave them out on surgery day. Bring your glasses instead. You will not be able to wear contacts during or immediately after the procedure.
☐ Take approved medications with a small sip of water
If your surgeon has told you to take certain medications on the morning of surgery, do so with the smallest amount of water necessary. Confirm which medications are safe to take on surgery day at your pre-op appointment.
☐ Arrive on time and leave valuables at home
Plan to arrive at the time requested. This allows for check-in, preparation, and any last-minute questions before the procedure begins. Leave jewelry, watches, and other valuables at home.
☐ Let your care team know about any last-minute concerns
If you have developed a new illness, started a new medication, or have any concerns since your last appointment, tell your care team before the procedure begins. Last-minute communication is better than proceeding with unanswered questions.
What to Expect After Your Surgery
Ptosis surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you will go home to begin your recovery the same day. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and blurred vision in the first days, all of which are normal and gradually resolve.
At Oculoplastic Eye Surgeons of Phoenix at today we believe that an informed patient is a confident patient. Our team is here to walk you through every step of the process — before, during, and after your procedure.
If you have questions about ptosis surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our office at (623) 522-8687 today.
