Also known as blepharoplasty, cosmetic eyelid surgery is one of the most common types of cosmetic surgery. Patients turn to this surgery for a number of different reasons. If you are considering this surgery, here’s what you need to know about the process.
Who Needs Blepharoplasty?
In some cases, people turn to cosmetic eyelid surgery because their drooping eyelids are blocking their field of vision, but in other cases, people embrace the surgery because they want their eyes to look younger and more alert. Ultimately, it’s up to you, and you should consult with your doctor to determine if this surgery can help address any issues you are having with your eyelids.
What Issues Does Eyelid Surgery Correct?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery can address a number of different issues. In particular, it can help to eliminate the appearance of droopy or enlarged upper or lower eyelids. It can also help minimize the appearance of bags under your eyes.
What Are the Risks of Cosmetic Eye Surgery?
This operation is performed a lot, and the risks are minimal. However, in rare cases, patients may experience infections, scarring, or eye injuries, and they may need follow up surgeries. Of course, there are also risks associated with anesthesia and blood clots. Your surgeon will discuss any additional risks before the procedure.
How Do You Prepare for Blepharoplasty?
Generally, you start with a consultation with your surgeon. If you are getting eyelid surgery for visual impairment reasons, your surgeon will assess your vision and make notes on how your eyelids are impeding your ability to see. That is essential if you want your insurance to cover the procedure.
If you are opting for the surgery for cosmetic reasons, your surgeon will do a physical exam, take your medical history, and talk about how you want your eyelids to look after the surgery. Some surgeons will take pictures of your eyelids and use special software to show you what the results will be.
What Happens During Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?
On the day of the procedure, you will arrive at New Vision Eye Center and enter our state-of-the-art surgical center that is devoted entirely to the care of your eyes. The nursing staff will carefully go over the procedure with you again, to ensure that you know what to expect. This would have been covered during your initial consultation but is repeated just prior to the surgery. A mild anesthesia is given to ensure your comfort during the procedure itself. The process involves the surgeon making a small incision, removing or redistributing fat in the area, followed by suturing the area. In some cases, the surgeon may also do a special procedure that basically lends extra support to your eyebrow muscles.
What Happens After Eyelid Surgery?
Immediately after the surgery, your vision will be compromised. You will not be able to drive yourself home because you will have been under sedation. There will be some bruising so you may want to wear sunglasses to hide that area or take a few days off of work. You also need to limit strenuous activity for several days after the procedure. Being too active puts excess pressure on your eyes, and that can lead to injuries or slow healing. To reduce swelling, you may need to put an ice pack over your eyes. If you have pain, it’s important to stick with acetaminophen, if you are able to take it. Aspirin and ibuprofen work as blood thinners, which can interrupt the healing process (but may be used minimally if the patient is unable to take acetaminophen for medical reasons – please discuss this with your surgeon if necessary).
If you are interested in eyelid surgery for any reason, cosmetic or when it is medically necessary because it is interrupting your field of vision, contact New Vision Eye Center. Our eye surgeons provide a range of surgeries and advanced procedures in the Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Melbourne, FL area and we would love to help you too. Consult with Dr. David J. O’Brien in our office and find out if blepharoplasty can help you to look and see better. Call 772-257-8700 or contact us here to request an appointment.