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EYELID SURGERY
Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence by removing the appearance of droopy or sagging eyelids. As people age the eyelid stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing "bags", or excess skin to become prominent. During your consultation, the doctor will assess which of the four eyelids (top and bottom for both eyes) require surgery.

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Generally patients for this procedure are 35 years or older. However, if sagging eyelids runs in your family, it is possible to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

Eyelid surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. If your doctor chooses local anesthesia, he will numb the area around your eyes, along with giving you a mild oral or IV sedative. The actual surgery takes one to three hours. The incisions made during the surgery follow the natural lines of your eye.

As with any procedure there is the possibility of complications occurring. For eyelid surgery, these include infection, or a reaction to the anesthesia used. Minor complications that commonly follow eyelid surgery include double or blurred vision for a few days, which is caused by swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep. Adhering to the physician’s advice on pre and post-op care will greatly reduce the risk of complications.

After your surgery, you may feel tightness in your eyes. An ointment and a bandage will cover your eyes. A cold compress and elevation will help keep the swelling and bruising down. For the first few weeks following your surgery, you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your vision such as blurring or double vision. Your stitches will be removed 2 to 7 days after your surgery.

Pre-Operative:
• No smoking for two weeks prior to and two weeks following surgery.
• No Aspirin, Aspirin products, ibuprofen, herbal teas, multi vitamins, or vitamin E for two weeks prior to surgery and for one week after surgery. Take only Tylenol and Tylenol products (acetametaphine).
• Please do not wear make up the day of your surgery and until you are instructed otherwise.
• Do not wear contact lens the day of surgery.

Post-Operative:
• Keep your head elevated for one week following surgery. Avoid bending over or any strenuous activity for one week.
• Place cold packs on the suture lines for the first 24-48 hours following surgery in order to minimize swelling and bruising.
• Avoid places where you may be exposed to noxious fumes, dust or other air contaminants. If possible arrange to stay home for one week.
• Contacts and eye makeup should not be worn until the doctor says you may do so.
• A small amount of bleeding is normal. If the bleeding is excessive, or if you have ANY decrease in vision, contact the office immediately.
• Minimize sun exposure after surgery. The first two months are critical. Use sunscreens with a SPF of 15 or greater once you begin wearing makeup again.
• If you experience any redness or dryness of the eye you may purchase Lacrilube to use at night and artificial tears for the daytime hours

If you have any questions or concerns contact the office @ (850) 784-7722.