Eyelid Surgery
As we mature, the shape and curvature of our eyelids change and the skin becomes hooded. This change leads to both puffy and sunken areas. Fortunately, we have techniques and other surgical advancements such as eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelids. This procedure can improve your vision, and it can also create a more youthful appearance. Eyelid surgery provides a natural, refreshed appearance while preserving the muscle under the skin responsible for eyelid closure.
How to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty
Whether you’re having this procedure to improve your vision, or enhance your appearance, you’ll need to prepare for your procedure.
1. Check on your medications
Some medications and dietary supplements can interfere with parts of this surgical procedure. We will review your medications, and let you know if you need to temporarily discontinue any while you prepare for and recover from eyelid surgery. You’ll need to avoid using any over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen and aspirin, in the two weeks prior to your procedure.
2. Quit smoking
Tobacco use, whether through smoking or another method, can impair healthy blood flow. During and after your eyelid surgery, you’ll need efficient blood flow to promote healing. Ideally, you should avoid smoking for at least a month before and after eyelid surgery.
3. Put together your support team
After surgery, you’ll probably need some support not just after the initial ride home, but also in the days and weeks that follow.
4. Prepare your recovery space
Before your surgical appointment, prepare your recovery space-Places where you can elevate your head while resting will be necessary. After your surgery, you may have bandages that limit your vision. Be sure to have clear paths throughout your home, so nothing poses a tripping hazard.
5. Plan how to spend your recovery time
You’ll need to take some downtime as you recover from your eyelid surgery. In the week following your procedure, viewing a phone, computer, or television can be painful due to the bright light. Taking care of your eyes will result in a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
What should I expect after the procedure?
Immediately after the surgery, you will spend a few hours in our recovery area so we can monitor your progress. Once we feel that you are ready to go home, we will release you. You will not be allowed to drive, so you will need to arrange for a ride.
Post-operative bruising, swelling, and discomfort are perfectly normal after eyelid surgery. The swelling will cause your eyes to close, so your vision will be limited.
Follow post-operative instructions, which may include:
- Icing the treated area
- Avoiding contact lenses for a few days
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending or straining.
After cosmetic eyelid surgery, bruising and swelling usually subside within a week or two. Proper care after blepharoplasty ensures that complications are minimized and you achieve the optimum results from the surgery.
Is a Blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
The majority of insurance plans do not cover eyelid surgery. However, if excess skin impairs your vision, it could be deemed “medically necessary” and meet your insurance requirements. This determination is based on photographs that your physician will submit, as well as the results of a visual field test.