Show of hands! Who wants to look older than they actually are? Didn’t think so. Those saggy, droopy and wrinkled eyelids are making you look tired all the time, and you guessed it, older than you actually are. If you are considering refreshing those tired eyelids with a surgery known as blepharoplasty, you should be knowledgeable about what to expect.
Start With The Best
Do your homework, check the ratings of plastic surgeons in your area, and find a board certified surgeon who has performed many blepharoplasties, like Lisa Mihora, MD. Ask to see some before and after photos of former patients. A plastic surgeon is proud of their work and will want to showcase their results.
Ask your surgeon about insurance coverage. If your upper eyelid interferes with your field of vision, the surgery may be covered by insurance. Otherwise it is a cosmetic procedure and all out-of-pocket.
Expect This On Surgery Day
If you are having upper eyelid surgery only, expect that your surgery will be performed as an outpatient and can take up to two hours to complete. Local anesthetics and sedation will keep you comfortable. Small incisions are well placed in areas not visible, and scars will not be noticeable.
Expect Some Bruising After Blepharoplasty
There will be some swelling and bruising immediately after a blepharoplasty, but there will be little to no discomfort or pain. However, your eyes may feel dry and tight, or they might also be watery and sensitive to light.
It is important that you avoid rubbing your eyes after surgery. Diligently follow Dr. Mihora’s instructions about how to care for them with cold compresses, how to keep them clean, and use specific medications.
Expect To Give Yourself Time To Heal
Don’t become impatient. Let healing take its time. Most patients take off work for about one week. There may still be visible bruising, but you can return to most daily activities. Give yourself plenty of time to rest, and that includes your eyes. Get lots of sleep which will aid in the healing process. Stay out of the sun, and wear protective lenses if outside.
Do avoid strenuous activities for 4 weeks like jogging, aerobics, or other activities that will increase blood flow and put pressure on your eyes.
Avoid alcohol and smoking as you recover. Nicotine harms the healing process and alcohol causes dehydration.
Expect A New YOU
Looking in the mirror at the rejuvenated, refreshed, and younger YOU is your final and best expectation.
Contact Oculoplastic Eye Surgeons of Phoenix at (623) 522-8687 for an evaluation if you are considering blepharoplasty surgery.
Sources:
Eyelid Surgery Recovery | American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org)
