After certain retina surgeries, proper positioning during recovery can play an important role in healing. In this video, Dr. Tirso Lara explains when facial positioning is needed after vitrectomy, why it’s important, and practical ways patients can make positioning more comfortable at home. This overview is designed to help you feel prepared and confident during your recovery process.
Hi, this is Dr. Tirso Lara, and I’m here to talk to you briefly about some post-operative recovery questions or situations you may be interested in—specifically, vitrectomy and the need for facial positioning.
This type of positioning is not required for all surgeries, only in certain situations, such as a macular hole or retinal detachment repair. It may sound tough, but it’s not as difficult as you might think.
Patients can lie on a bed looking down, or sometimes on their side with their face turned toward the bed. Some people place their head off the bed and use a chair stacked on books for support. Others choose to rent a massage chair or massage table. These are not very expensive, can be rented, and are shipped directly to your home. It’s simply a matter of setting them up, and most people do quite well with this.
Proper positioning is important because it can improve your outcome and make things easier for both your retina and your retina doctor.
I hope this helps, and good luck with your surgery.
