Eyelid surgery promises a fresh and youthful appearance; however, it is crucial that expectations be managed and an extensive recovery process be planned for.
Blurry vision, bruising and puffiness are common side effects that take approximately one week to fade away. You may also develop small surgical scars which will become less noticeable over time.
Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for homecare to facilitate a faster and more comfortable recovery. Follow them as instructed to experience optimal results.
Pre-Operative Care
Before opting for eyelid surgery, a consultation will take place between you and your surgeon to discuss your goals and determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Your surgeon will consider your current health status, medical history and any medications taken as they evaluate how safe this procedure will be for you – plus they’ll explain it all and provide answers to any queries about the procedure that arise.
After your consultation, a surgical appointment will be scheduled. When you arrive, a nurse will take your vital signs and place an IV in either arm to provide medication or fluids throughout the procedure if required.
Finally, once ready to undergo surgery, your surgeon will mark both upper and lower eyelids with a marker pen before cleaning the area in preparation for beginning surgical work.
As part of your recovery plan, it’s best to avoid rough rubbing of the eye area and keep it lubricated with an ointment until fully healed. In order to stay hydrated during this timeframe, drink lots of water instead of caffeinated beverages that could dehydrate you further.
Post-Operative Care
Following eyelid surgery, it is crucial that patients follow their surgeon’s postoperative instructions for optimal results. This includes proper care of the surgical site and refraining from activities which irritate eyes, while waiting until Dr. Hershcovitch gives their approval before engaging in contact lens or makeup usage. Patients are also advised not to use aspirin and other medicines which increase bleeding during and post-surgery.
After surgery, the area around your eyes may initially appear slightly swollen, tender and itchy as the effects of anesthesia wear off. These symptoms should dissipate within 24 to 48 hours as your body heals itself.
At first, patients should rest with their heads elevated while applying an eye ointment to reduce swelling. Depending on the extent of surgery performed, patients may feel nauseated or groggy from anesthesia used during surgery; it’s essential that someone be available to drive you home after the procedure as effects from anesthesia may impair your ability to make major decisions.
Cold compresses may provide some temporary pain relief, and your surgeon can provide a list of medications and supplies specifically tailored for this purpose. In addition, avoiding food high in sodium content will help avoid excessive water retention and subsequent swelling around the eyes.
Follow-Up Visits
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is an increasingly popular cosmetic solution to rejuvenate one’s appearance, as it removes excess skin and repositions fat pockets to give an overall more youthful appearance. Sometimes referred to as an eyelift or eyejob, this procedure may also be performed together with forehead lift procedures for greater results.
At the initial assessment, it is crucial for patients to articulate the aesthetic changes and functionality enhancements they desire in their eyelids. A magnifying mirror or hand mirror may assist the process by helping patients pinpoint specific features they’d like altered; in doing so, allowing a surgeon to assess whether their expectations are realistic, or whether another type of surgical procedure or approach might better meet the patient’s needs.
After surgery, it’s best to avoid activities that strain or stress the eyes such as reading, driving and other visual activities that could potentially cause dryness or eye irritation. You should use eye drops frequently and apply ointment at nighttime.
Staying hydrated and eating healthful foods such as green vegetables, fruits, and lean meats will assist your recovery. In addition, smoking increases the likelihood of bleeding during healing processes.
Results
Eyelid surgery results will become visible gradually as swelling and bruising subside, giving your eyes a more youthful look. Your results should last for many years to come; however, over time natural aging processes will continue. Moisturizer and sunscreen will help prolong results as much as possible.
It is essential that during recovery it is avoided activities which increase blood flow to your eyes and cause bleeding or slow the healing process, such as intense exercise or heavy lifting. You should sleep with your head elevated and avoid bending over or straining for two or three days post surgery.
Canthopexy, which involves making small stitches at the outer corners of your eyes to remove excess skin, is an alternative way to tightening eyelids that is less invasive but still produces noticeable cosmetic benefits. It may cost less than full upper and lower eyelid lift procedures while still producing lasting cosmetic changes.
Blepharoplasty may be suitable for women or men who notice drooping eyelids or bags under their eyes that give them an aged, tired appearance. Patients should be in good overall health without chronic medical conditions such as diabetes that might inhibit or delay healing; furthermore, nonsmokers reduce risks related to smoking as this increases infection risks and delays the process.
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