FAQ: Blepharoplasty

This surgery should improve the appearance of your eyelids. The loose skin and muscle can be removed. The extra fat can be resected or moved. The hollowness may be improved with grafting.

If the aging changes are minimal fillers, Botox, and possible chemical peel or laser may help. If there are moderate to major changes, surgery is the only option.

If indicated, both procedures can be done at the same time.

The procedure is usually performed bilaterally.

Blinking is usually affected temporarily, but rarely permanently.

Yes.

You can see pre and postoperative results on my website. Additional photos can be reviewed at my office.

Yes, you can.

The surgical result is usually permanent. Aging changes are ongoing and you may consider another procedure to improve these changes after 10 years.

You can discuss costs during the initial consultation after the examination to determine the degree of aging changes and whether there is additional work that needs to be done.

In the upper eyelid, the incision will be hidden in the eyelid crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision will be either inside the eyelid or below the eyelashes.

Usually not.

Usually, the vision is not affected but if you develop dry eyes, the lubrication gel can cause some blurry vision temporarily.

I prefer that you do not wear contact lenses for six weeks after surgery.

There is usually no dressing on the lids but you may have some Steri-Strips on the upper eyelid wound.

The final result may take four to six months. The younger you are, the quicker the recovery.

Swelling and bruising usually last a few days to a few weeks depending on your age and whether you have several procedures done together.

Most of my clients only take pain medication for one to two days. Most do not have to take more than 5 pain pills in total after the procedure.

The majority of patients take just plain Tylenol or Tylenol #3.

Majority over 99% of the time the scar is not noticeable.

Most people are feeling better and may resume all normal activities after several days.

In general, you should not drive the first 48 hours after surgery. Also if you are taking heavy narcotics, you should not be driving. Most of my clients are usually driving after 3 to 4 days.

You can usually return to work within a few days to 2 weeks after surgery.

I usually like to do local anesthesia with IV sedation

You can request to see the anesthesiologist before surgery.

All medications will be reviewed at your preoperative visit.

History and physical, ECG, WBC, and metabolic panel for patients over 55 years of age. Thyroid panel for patients with thyroid disorders.

Stop eating and drinking at least 6 hours before the start of your surgery or by midnight the night before surgery.

Arrive one and a half hours before your scheduled surgery.

You can get the information on our website or call my office for directions.

Yes. You will need an adult to drive you home.

The surgery takes one to two hours depending on if you have upper or lower or both eyelids surgery.

Usually in the recovery room.

I usually talk to you in the recovery room as well as one to two days after surgery in your postoperative visit to explain how your surgery went.

The antibiotics are stopped within 48 hours of surgery.

I will discuss it with you.

You may eat and drink after surgery as soon as you feel well and not nauseated. Start with a soft, bland diet.

You need to have instructions reviewed with a responsible adult.

You will receive a pain pill prescription to fill before surgery. You may receive IV pain medication during the surgery.

Tell the doctor or nurse which pharmacy you prefer. Non-narcotic medications such as Compazine may be sent electronically but narcotic pain medications must be printed and hand-delivered to the pharmacy.

Yes, you will receive a list of medications to avoid before surgery and initially after surgery. Do not take NSAIDs, ibuprofen, or aspirin until your doctor approves.

Just keep your wound clean and dry. There will be some Steri-Strips on your upper lid that will be removed in the first 2 to 3 days.

Keeping your head elevated will help to decrease swelling and pain after surgery.

You will be seen 2 to 3 days after your surgery.

Your sutures will be removed on day 5.

You can do daily activities. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

Usually, it is safe to resume regular sexual activity after 2 weeks as long as it is not too strenuous.

• Sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before you stand up to prevent getting dizzy.  This is generally a good idea especially immediately after surgery and also if you are on narcotic medication.
• Do not get out of bed without help if you feel weak or dizzy.

• You have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• You have shortness of breath or chest pain
• You notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around your surgical incision
• You notice that your incision is separating, or you have infected discharge from your incision
• You have persistent double vision or experience vision loss
• You experience numbness or loss of motion in your eyelids
• Your eyelids are excessively bleeding
• You have pain that your existing pain medications cannot control

• Please take the pain and other medications as prescribed
• Do not drive when you are on prescription pain medications
• Do not soak in a bath or go swimming for ten days after your surgery
• Keep your incision clean and dry
• Elevate your head when lying down to reduce swelling
• Use cold compresses to help reduce swelling
• Do not wear contact lenses for 6 weeks or as advised by your doctor
• Wear sunglasses to protect your healing eyelids from sun and wind
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting as long as your doctor advises
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming normal daily activities
• Follow your doctor’s instructions on resuming sexual activity