Blepharoplasty is the surgical removal of skin, muscle, and fat from either the upper or lower eyelids.
Eyelid surgery has only a few, minor complications such as blurred or double vision, but serious complications can occur from anesthesia or infection. However, one must also be aware of the visual risks involved with this type of surgery. There is a possibility of asymmetry in the eyelid creases or hollowness from the removal of too much fat. There is always a risk of being generally unhappy with the results, as well.
During the preoperative visit, your plastic surgeon will ask for a complete medical history and you will need to notify your doctor of any pre-existing conditions or allergies, as well as any prescriptions, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Also, do not forget to inform your doctor if you wear prescription contact lenses or glasses. It is essential that nicotine use be suspended for a minimum of two months prior to the surgery and one month after.
Typically performed in outpatient centers and rarely requiring overnight stays, this surgery takes no longer than three hours. For the surgical procedure, patients are usually given a local anesthesia, but may elect to be put under general anesthesia.
After surgery, soreness and a feeling of tightness are perfectly normal, along with difficulty shutting your eyes while sleeping. You may also experience acne or whiteheads where the stitches are removed. The whiteheads can be easily removed by your doctor.
For a speedy recovery, you should elevate your head and repeatedly apply ice packs to your eyes for the first two days post-op, but doctors do not recommend supplementing with anti-inflammatory medicines, including aspirin. It is normal for mild swelling to remain for several weeks, but usually dissipates within the first week. Blurred vision and bruising may also remain for up to ten days, but by the end of two weeks you should be able to resume your normal activities, including wearing contact lenses.
After surgery, it is important not to become discouraged with your appearance, since a full recovery usually takes between six to nine months. The end result of eyelid surgery is a youthful, younger looking appearance which lasts for approximately five to fifteen years, and often provides a permanent solution.
