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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.
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