How do I prepare for eyelid surgery?
Your surgeon will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have before your surgery. Prior to getting eyelid surgery, your surgeon will also:
- Ask you detailed questions related to dry eyes, glaucoma, eye-related allergies, and other eye problems. Tell your surgeon if you have circulatory problems, thyroid problems, diabetes, or other serious medical conditions. He or she will ask you about your current medications, including over-the-counter medicines. Make sure to tell your surgeon about any herbal supplements you take, as some of them may cause bleeding problems.
- Conduct a physical exam, which may include testing your tear production. Your surgeon may use special tools to measure parts of your eyelids.
- Photograph your eyes from different angles. These photos help with planning the surgery and assessing its immediate and long-term effects.
- Discuss expectations with you. An honest discussion will help determine a satisfactory outcome. Be prepared to talk about your motivation for seeking blepharoplasty and what you hope the results will be. Your surgeon can tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results.
In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:
- Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to promote better healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve), and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.
- Hydrate before and after surgery for safe recovery.
Eyelid surgery is usually an outpatient procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, and you should have someone stay with you at least for the first night following surgery.
What can I expect the day of my eyelid surgery?
Below is what you can generally expect, but be sure to consult with your surgeon before your surgery so you have the most accurate expectations.
- You may have your eyelid surgery in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite.
- Most eyelid procedures take at least one to two hours to complete.
- The surgeon will administer medications for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
- Local anesthesia combined with sedation is commonly used during eyelid surgery, though general anesthesia can be used instead.
- For your safety during the surgery, various monitors will be used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse, and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.
- Your surgeon will follow the surgical plan discussed with you before surgery.
- After your procedure, you will go to a recovery area for continued monitoring.
- The surgeon will apply a lubricating ointment to your eyes to protect them and prevent dryness. The ointment may cause temporary blurred vision.
- You may choose to go home on the day of surgery unless you and your aesthetic plastic surgeon have made other plans. Under no circumstance will you be permitted to go home alone.