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Your Journey to Refreshed Eyes: The Preparation Phase
Under-eye bag removal surgery results are seamless, with minimal bruising and a rapid return to your daily routine, provided you adhere to the guidelines. A safe preparation for under-eye surgery is to follow a clinical timeline that involves pausing blood-thinning medications 14 days prior, quitting nicotine, and arranging a bystander for your discharge. As your surgeon, my priority extends beyond the operating theatre; it begins the moment you decide to stop looking tired and reclaim your youthful gaze.
Patients often ask why we provide such a detailed list of instructions. The answer is simple: the success of your under-eye bag removal is 50% surgical skill and 50% how well you prepare your body to heal. Proper preparation turns your body into a “healing machine.” Think of this guide as the essential foundation for your new look
Why Preparation Matters for Under-Eye Surgery
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body and bruises easily. Because under-eye surgery targets delicate fat pads and complex musculature, we require your blood to clot perfectly and your skin to be optimally hydrated. Whether you are undergoing a blepharoplasty for the upper or lower lids, these steps are non-negotiable for achieving that bright-eyed, rested appearance without complications.
The Sculpt Sublime Pre-Op Timeline: A Step-by-Step Guide
14 Days Before: The “Pause” List
The two-week mark is the most critical window. Certain substances increase blood flow to the skin’s surface or prevent clotting, which leads to unnecessary bruising and swelling.
- Medications to Avoid: You must stop taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), and Naproxen. These are anticoagulants that increase the likelihood of tiny vessels around the eyes leaking during and after surgery. Such bleeding results in subconjunctival haemorrhage, typically a red patch on the white of the eye.
- Supplements to Skip: Nature’s pharmacy can be powerful. Please pause all intake of Vitamin E, Omega-3 fish oils, Ginkgo Biloba, and Garlic pills. These are notorious for thinning the blood.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor; it restricts blood flow. So, this is the time to stop smoking or vaping. If the tissues don’t get enough oxygenated blood, the fine incisions of your under-eye bag removal may heal slowly or leave visible marks.
7 Days Before: Logistics and Planning
A stress-free recovery starts with a well-planned week.
- Work Arrangements: Ensure you have booked at least 7 to 10 days off work. While you will feel physically capable of working sooner, your eyes will need time to lose the “surgical look.”
- The Designated Driver: You will be under sedation or general anaesthetic. It is a legal and safety requirement that a responsible adult collects you from our clinic and stays with you for the first 24 hours.
- Prescriptions: If we have prescribed pre-operative antibiotics or post-operative eye drops, pick them up now. You won’t want to be queuing at a chemist after your eye surgery.
48 Hours Before: Hydration and Setting the “Nest”
- Zero Alcohol: Cease all alcohol consumption. Alcohol dehydrates your tissues and can interfere with the way your liver processes anaesthesia.
- The Recovery Nest: You will spend most of your first 48 hours resting. Set up a comfortable spot, ideally a recliner or a bed with at least three firm pillows. You must sleep with your head elevated at a 45-degree angle to allow gravity to drain fluids away from your face.
- Shopping List: Stock up on “comfort items,” including low-sodium soups (salt can cause water retention/swelling), protein shakes, and bags of frozen peas. Peas are a surgeon’s secret weapon; they contour to the eye sockets much better than a standard ice pack.
Ready to finalise your transformation?
Essential Prep Comparison Table
Timeline | Action Item | Surgical Benefit |
14 Days | Stop NSAIDs & Herbals | Minimises intra-operative bleeding and bruising |
14 Days | Nicotine Cessation | Ensures healthy blood flow for invisible scars |
7 Days | Arrange Post-Op Care | Ensures safety during the “groggy” recovery phase |
48 Hours | Zero Alcohol | Maintains stable blood pressure and hydration |
Day Of | Clean Skin / No Lenses | Reduces the risk of site infection and irritation |
The Morning of Your Under-Eye Surgery
The big day has arrived. To keep the environment sterile and the process smooth, follow these “Morning Of” rules:
- Hygiene: Shower and wash your face with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Do not apply any moisturiser, makeup, or serums. We need the skin to be scrubbed clean.
- Hair: Tie your hair back if it is long. Do not use hairspray or heavy gels.
- Wardrobe: This is a vital tip: wear a zip-up hoodie or a button-down shirt. You must not pull any clothing over your head after under-eye bag removal, as this could accidentally catch on your stitches.
- Valuables: Leave your jewellery, piercings, and watches at home.
- Fasting: If your surgery is under general anaesthesia, do not eat or drink anything (including water) for at least 6 hours before surgery, or as specifically instructed by our team.
The Sculpt Sublime Difference
At Sculpt Sublime, we view under-eye bag removal as a partnership between surgeon and patient. We aren’t just performing a procedure; we are helping you transition into a version of yourself that feels as energetic as you truly are.
By following these eye surgery protocols, you are taking active control of your results. You are reducing your recovery time and ensuring that when those stitches come out, the skin is smooth, the contours are sharp, and the “glow” is undeniable.
Our team in Mumbai is dedicated to your safety. If you feel any anxiety or have a question about a specific supplement not listed here, please reach out. There is no such thing as a “silly” question when it comes to your vision and your face.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important step before under-eye bag surgery?
The most critical step is the cessation of blood-thinning agents (like aspirin) and nicotine two weeks before the procedure. It prevents excessive haematoma (bruising) and ensures the delicate incisions heal without scarring. Proper head elevation for 48 hours after under-eye surgery is also vital for managing swelling.
Can I eat on the morning of my eye surgery?
If you are under general anaesthesia or IV sedation, you must fast (NPO) for at least six hours. The practice prevents complications during anaesthesia. If your procedure uses only local anaesthesia, a very light breakfast two hours prior is usually permitted.
When must I stop wearing contact lenses?
Please switch to glasses at least 24 hours before your procedure. You may typically resume wearing contacts 10 to 14 days after under-eye bag removal, once the initial swelling has subsided and the incisions are no longer sensitive.
Should I stop my regular blood pressure medication?
No. You must take your most chronic blood pressure or heart health medications as usual, with a tiny sip of water. However, you must provide our team with a complete list of all medications during your consultation so we can give you specific instructions.
How long is the recovery for under-eye surgery?
Most patients return to work and social activities within 7 to 10 days. While you will likely feel physically fine within 48 hours, the “social downtime” allows any residual bruising or redness to fade enough to be covered by light makeup.
Is the procedure painful?
No. We use advanced anaesthesia techniques to ensure you feel absolutely nothing during the surgery. Post-operatively, most patients describe the sensation as “tightness” or “heaviness” rather than sharp pain. We can best manage such pain with standard paracetamol.