Step-by-Step Guide to FLAAK Keratopigmentation Surgery Day

The step-by-step course of FLAAK keratopigmentation surgery is one of the main concerns for patients considering an eye color change. Understanding each stage of the FLAAK keratopigmentation procedure day helps significantly reduce anxiety and allows patients to enter the operating room with complete peace of mind. Yoni Gozlan, M.D., a specialized Ophthalmic Surgeon, performs this corneal pigmentation surgery at Centre Laser Victor Hugo, in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Thanks to meticulous organization and a proven surgical protocol, FLAAK keratopigmentation follows a step-by-step plan, from the initial morning contact through to the return home at the end of the day.

What Is FLAAK Keratopigmentation and Why Understand How It Works?

FLAAK keratopigmentation is a state-of-the-art surgical technique that involves introducing biocompatible mineral pigments into the thickness of the cornea to change the apparent color of the iris for the long term. Unlike intraocular implants — which carry significant risks of internal complications — this procedure stays within the thickness of the cornea: there is no surgery inside the eye. Like any corneal surgery, it carries its own risks, which are explained during the consultation. Yoni Gozlan, M.D. uses a femtosecond laser to create a calibrated corneal tunnel, into which the pigment is then deposited with micrometric precision.

Understanding the detailed course of FLAAK keratopigmentation surgery day allows patients to concretely envision their intervention day. Every step of the FLAAK keratopigmentation process is designed to ensure ocular safety, patient comfort, and aesthetic quality of the result. Before any procedure, a pre-operative consultation before FLAAK keratopigmentation is systematically conducted to verify the candidate's eligibility and define the desired color.

The Day Before FLAAK Keratopigmentation: Essential Preparatory Instructions

Patient preparation begins the day before the intervention. Following these simple instructions directly contributes to the smooth course of FLAAK keratopigmentation and to the quality of the final result.

• Stop using makeup and eye cosmetics: it is imperative not to apply mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, or eye contour cream for the 48 hours preceding the intervention. These products can leave microscopic residues that may interfere with the femtosecond laser or promote contamination during FLAAK keratopigmentation.
• Removal of contact lenses: soft contact lens wearers must remove their lenses at least 48 hours before the operation, and rigid contact lens wearers at least one week before. This allows the cornea to return to its natural curvature and ensures the reliability of measurements taken on the day of surgery.
• Light meal on the morning of the procedure: a light breakfast is recommended to prevent any discomfort related to stress or hypoglycemia. Fasting is not required, as FLAAK keratopigmentation is performed under topical local anesthesia (eye drops) rather than general anesthesia.
• Arranging return transportation: since vision is temporarily blurry after the intervention, it is essential to arrange for someone to accompany you home. Driving is strictly prohibited on the day of your FLAAK keratopigmentation surgery day.
• Comfortable clothing: wear loose-fitting clothes that do not need to be pulled over the head, to avoid any accidental contact with the eyes when dressing after the operation. Also bring sunglasses to protect your eyes from light when leaving the Centre after FLAAK keratopigmentation.

Arrival at Centre Laser Victor Hugo and Medical Welcome for FLAAK Keratopigmentation

Understanding how keratopigmentation works from the moment you arrive at the Centre helps patients approach this day with calm and confidence. The team of Yoni Gozlan, M.D. ensures that every moment of the FLAAK keratopigmentation experience is smooth and reassuring.

• Personalized welcome by the administrative team: upon your arrival at Centre Laser Victor Hugo, located at 27 bis avenue Victor Hugo in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, the team warmly receives you. Administrative formalities are handled quickly to minimize waiting time and put you at ease from the very first minutes before your FLAAK keratopigmentation procedure.
• Verification of the medical file: a member of the medical team confirms your identity, rechecks the elements of your pre-operative file, and ensures that all preparatory instructions have been followed. This is also the time to ask any final questions about the colors chosen in FLAAK keratopigmentation if needed.
• Meeting with Yoni Gozlan, M.D.: before entering the operating room, Dr. Gozlan receives you in consultation for a reassuring discussion. He reviews the keratopigmentation surgery steps, confirms the chosen color, and answers all your last-minute questions about FLAAK keratopigmentation. This moment of listening is essential for approaching the intervention with full confidence.
• Instillation of the first eye drops: the nurse instills antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops in both eyes. These drops begin to prepare the ocular surface and reduce the risk of infection prior to FLAAK keratopigmentation. They usually do not hurt and mainly feel slightly cool.
• Settling into the pre-operative waiting area: you are led to a quiet and comfortable room where you wait a few minutes before being accompanied to the operating room. The atmosphere is intentionally calming to allow optimal relaxation before your FLAAK keratopigmentation procedure begins.

The Precise Course of FLAAK Keratopigmentation in the Operating Room: Surgical Steps

The heart of the FLAAK surgery day takes place in the operating room, in a sterile and perfectly controlled environment. This is where Yoni Gozlan, M.D. performs the surgical gestures of FLAAK keratopigmentation . Here is a detailed account of how keratopigmentation works in the operating room.

• Local anesthesia with anesthetic eye drops: a few drops of anesthetic eye drops are instilled directly onto the cornea. The eye is numbed within seconds. The patient stays awake throughout the FLAAK keratopigmentation procedure; you usually feel pressure or touch, but no sharp pain. This topical anesthesia is one of the major advantages of the FLAAK keratopigmentation technique compared to more invasive procedures.
• Placement of the eyelid speculum: a small device gently and stably holds the eyelids open throughout the procedure. This prevents any involuntary blinking and allows the surgeon to work under optimal conditions during FLAAK keratopigmentation. The sensation is unusual; thanks to the anesthesia, it is usually not painful.
• Creation of the corneal tunnel with the femtosecond laser: this is the key step of FLAAK keratopigmentation surgery. The femtosecond laser, programmed with micrometric precision, creates a circular tunnel within the thickness of the cornea. This cut is made at a perfectly controlled depth, between the corneal layers, without ever penetrating the interior of the eye. The patient usually perceives a slight pressure and points of light, without sharp pain.
• Deposition of the biocompatible mineral pigment: once the tunnel is created, Dr. Gozlan delicately introduces the FLAAK pigment selected during the pre-operative consultation. These pigments are certified mineral compounds, specially formulated for their biocompatibility and stability of eye color after keratopigmentation. The pigment is evenly distributed within the tunnel to achieve a natural and uniform appearance as part of the FLAAK keratopigmentation process.
• Closure and final verification: the corneal tunnel closes naturally through tissue adhesion, without requiring any sutures. The surgeon checks the appearance of the pigment under the operating microscope, ensures proper color distribution, and instills antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops. The entire FLAAK keratopigmentation procedure in the operating room lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The First Hours After FLAAK Keratopigmentation: Ocular Recovery and Immediate Instructions

Immediately after leaving the operating room, the first hours are guided by precise instructions that contribute to the overall smooth course of FLAAK keratopigmentation, including the immediate recovery phase.

• Temporary blurry vision — a perfectly normal phenomenon: upon leaving the operating room after FLAAK keratopigmentation, vision is hazy and blurry. This is an expected and completely normal reaction, related to the presence of pigment in the cornea and the slight post-operative edema. Visual clarity improves progressively over the hours and days following the procedure. There is absolutely no reason to be alarmed by this altered visual perception after keratopigmentation.
• Tearing and light sensitivity: reflex tearing and moderate photosensitivity are common during the first hours after FLAAK keratopigmentation. Wearing sunglasses is recommended as soon as you leave the Centre. These symptoms diminish quickly and generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours.
• Application of the post-operative eye drop protocol: the team of Yoni Gozlan, M.D. provides a detailed prescription including an antibiotic eye drop, an anti-inflammatory eye drop, and artificial tears. Strict adherence to this protocol is fundamental to preventing any infection and promoting optimal healing after FLAAK keratopigmentation. Each eye drop has a specific role and a defined instillation schedule.
• Rest in the monitoring room: before returning home, the patient is settled in a rest area where the medical team monitors initial recovery from FLAAK keratopigmentation. A final check is performed to verify the appearance of the cornea before discharge. This monitoring phase generally lasts between 30 minutes and one hour.
• Return home with a companion: the patient leaves the Centre accompanied. Post-operative instructions following FLAAK keratopigmentation are reviewed: do not touch or rub the eyes, avoid any exposure to water or dust, and sleep with the protective shields provided during the first nights. For more details on what follows, consult our complete guide on recovery after FLAAK keratopigmentation.

After the Procedure

• The first days: vision is often blurred and light sensitivity is common. You follow the prescribed eye-drop protocol.
• The following weeks: vision clears and the color gradually becomes sharper and more even.

When to Consult Yoni Gozlan, M.D. About FLAAK Keratopigmentation

If you wish to change your eye color in a safe and lasting way, the first step is to schedule a pre-operative consultation with Yoni Gozlan, M.D. This consultation allows the assessment of your eligibility for FLAAK keratopigmentation, the selection of the color that matches your expectations, and a detailed explanation of how FLAAK keratopigmentation surgery day unfolds. Whether you have already decided or are simply seeking information, Dr. Gozlan and his team accompany you with attentiveness, expertise, and transparency so that every step of your FLAAK keratopigmentation journey is experienced with confidence and serenity.