Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that removes excess skin from the eyelids. Eyelid lift surgery resolves functional and cosmetic issues in upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure is commonly used to address eyelid drooping associated with aging which can lead to both vision difficulties and cosmetic insecurities. You may have seen other non-surgical treatments for drooping eyelids and sagging skin around the eyes, but only eyelid surgery can offer a permanent solution.
How to Prepare for Your Eyelid Lift
Step 1 is a physical exam and consultation with one of our experienced facial plastic surgeons. During this process, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and cosmetic goals. If the doctor determines they can move forward with your surgery, they will develop a treatment and corrective plan specific to you. Anne Arundel ENT doctors in Annapolis, MD will work closely with you to decide what surgical adjustments are needed to address your concerns and meet your goals.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
Step 2 is the procedure itself. A Blepharoplasty can be performed while a patient is awake under local numbing medication; or if they prefer, they can be asleep under general anesthesia. During the operation, your surgeon will make one or more precise incisions to the eyelid. If necessary, they will remove any fat and/or any excess skin from the eyelid and tighten your muscles around the eye region. The incisions will be closed with tiny stitches or skin glue designed to heal with little to no trace of the procedure. This same-day procedure can give you an instant fix with minimal risk of complication.
Caring for Yourself After Your Surgery
After your procedure, you may experience some sensitivity in and around your eye(s). The following are a few tips that can help minimize discomfort and maximize recovery time.
1. Wear dark sunglasses during your trip home and when outside for the days following your procedure. You may be sensitive to light.
2. Avoid wearing contact lenses until at least 2 weeks after your surgery. Wearing eyeglasses will prevent sensitivity from placing and removing the lenses as well as prevent infection from introducing bacteria to the recovering area.
3. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until your vision is no longer blurry and you are no longer taking any pain medication. Most of our patients are on the road after a 3-5 days of recovery.
4. Get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal and recover.
5. Avoid activities such as heavy lifting and exercise that may strain the eyelids and surrounding muscles and tissues.
6. Let your healthcare provider know if you’re having nausea or cold symptoms. It’s important for you to avoid sneezing, coughing, and vomiting. These can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at your surgical sites.
7. Rest and sleep with your head raised. This will help prevent swelling at your surgical sites.
8. Minimal swelling in your eyes, cheekbones, or jaw is normal. Be sure to take any prescribed medications to prevent discomfort and minimize swelling.
9. Apply sterile cold compresses to provide relief and minimize swelling.
10. Use sterile saline eye drops if your vision is blurry or if your healthcare provider has prescribed you an eye ointment. Our team will review how to apply sterile saline eye drops. Do NOT pull on your eyelids while using the eye drops.
Follow-up Appointment
Your sutures (stitches) will be removed 2 and 7 days after your surgery. Your nurse will make these appointments for you. It is important that you follow all the instructions provided by the team and attend your appointment for optimal recovery times and results. If you have any complications or questions, follow-up appointments are the best time to discuss them with your doctor.
What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?
As previously mentioned eyelid lift surgery has cosmetic and functional benefits. With age, your eyelids can start to droop, causing a decrease in self-esteem and vision. Poor vision can cause patients to experience headaches and other symptoms & dangers relating to poor health. Eyelid surgery can help remove vision-disrupting skin and leave you feeling more confident about your appearance. Not to mention the benefits of having an easier time placing contact lenses, makeup, and other topical solutions and lotions.
