Understanding the Eyelid Surgery Process
Preparing For Your Blepharoplasty
You must arrive on time to be fully admitted by the medical team. Smoking and illicit drug use must be avoided before the procedure. Smoking increases the risk of some serious complications during and after surgery. Ideally, you should stop smoking at least eight weeks before an operation; cutting down does not reduce the risk of complications. However, quitting smoking for good is the most significant health benefit.
Blood pressure must be controlled, and all other medical conditions must be stable. Blood thinners must be avoided if possible. You must fast on the day of the procedure. You can eat dinner, as usual, the night before. Then, you must stop drinking fluids at midnight. On the morning of the procedure, you can take a small sip of water to take your pre-surgery medication.
What to Expect After Your Blepharoplasty
The surgery is performed under light sedation (rather than general anesthesia) with local anesthesia to numb the area. This procedure is usually completed within 1-2 hours. Many patients will simultaneously undergo upper and lower eyelid surgery and potentially other procedures such as fat transfer and forehead thread lift. Expect to be drowsy after the procedure. This is a side effect of the sedation, but not in pain.
You must be collected by a competent supervising adult and observed the first night. Any severe pain or swelling must be immediately reported to us. The following day, you will be reviewed by our team, and all of the aftercare instructions must be followed.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
You must rest for at least five days and avoid strenuous activity. Smoking must be avoided. The sutures are removed on Day 5, and many patients can return to work by approximately Day 8. This may be longer, depending on bruising and swelling.
Exercise should be avoided for two weeks, followed by a gradual, cautious return. The scars from the upper eyelid should fade over 1-3 months, although (infrequently) laser resurfacing may be needed to improve these. This scar is purposely placed in the eyelid’s natural skin lines and creases so it can not be seen. Soon after the surgery, you can hide the sutures and scars by wearing sunglasses.
Possible Risks and Complications From Eyelid Surgery
Often, the lower eyelid will require no suturing whatsoever. Bruising in this area can sometimes last longer and be more severe. Thread lift to the forehead will require small sutures, usually removed between 5-7 days. Fat transfer to the cheeks to decrease the tear troughs can cause some swelling and bruising, but this usually settles within 1-week.
Eyelid Surgery Side Effects
No major complications are expected with a Blepharoplasty. However, you may find that your vision is blurred for a few days post-procedure. Following your Cosmetic Doctor’s advice is essential to reduce the risk of complications.
