Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

The eyes are often the first area where we notice changes as we age.  Often loose skin at the eyelids, more pronounced dark circles or bags under the eyes can make us look older, more tired, or more sad than we are.  Blepharoplasty surgery can be a nice way to permanently improve your appearance in this area, changing your view of the world and how the world views you! Dr. Owens has years of experience in the technical skills needed for both upper and lower eyelid surgery using different techniques depending on your needs and your anatomy.  Patients often worry about changing their appearance too much or looking unnatural.  Dr. Owens is focused on delivering a natural result that returns you to a more youthful appearance or corrects anatomy that has bothered you for years.  Dr. Owens will discuss in detail your history including medications, previous surgery, and symptoms specific to the eye area like dry eyes.  She will assess both the eyelids and brow position, as this may have an impact on the expected results.  You may be a candidate for treatment with toxins like Botox or Dysport, for skin resurfacing with chemical peel or laser, or for more comprehensive surgery including brow lift or facelift, and Dr. Owens will discuss what to expect from each approach and what the trade-offs may be.

 Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

Please discontinue any medicines that may thin your blood 2 weeks before surgery (or as instructed) after consulting with Dr. Owens and your regular doctor.  This includes non prescription medicines and supplements like ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, ginger, gingko biloba, St. John’s Wort and many others.  Drink plenty of water so that you are well hydrated.  It is especially important to have your blood pressure controlled during and immediately after the surgery, so be sure to discuss medication management with your doctor at your preop visit. You will meet with Dr. Owens before surgery and will be given prescriptions including ointment that is safe around the eyes, and possibly anti-nausea medicine and pain medicine, depending on the extent of the planned procedure.  If you are having sedation or general anesthesia, you will see your primary care doctor for medical clearance and have lab work performed.  Prepare your recovery space, as you will need to keep your head elevated for at least a week or two, and will need access to ice packs/cold compresses and a restroom.  Prepare cold compresses and light ice packs to have available in your home freezer.  A folded wet clean gauze or paper towel placed in a ziplock bag in the freezer, or crushed ice bags that will conform to the area without being too heavy work well.  Pick out a few audio books to keep you occupied, as you will not be “watching” tv or using the computer for at least 2-3 days!

 The Day of Your Eyelid Surgery

Plan to have a ride arranged to get you to and from the office or surgery center.  Even if you are not having general anesthesia you will not be able to drive yourself home.  Dr. Owens will see you before surgery and do some preliminary markings, but most of the precise measurements and markings will happen just before the procedure begins.  For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is placed within the crease of the eyelid and sutures will be taped to the skin of your forehead and temple.  These should remain in place until your follow up visit.  For lower eyelid surgery, you may have visible sutures depending on technique.  The surgery takes between an hour and 3 hours in most cases.  After completion of your eyelid surgery, you will recover with some cold compresses until you are cleared to go home.  Expect to be numb but with some low level burning or soreness at the sites, which is relieved by elevation and ice packs.  Ointment will be applied to the incisions and sometimes in the eyes to protect the cornea, which may make your vision blurry.  Instructions will be reviewed with your caregiver prior to discharge home.

 Recovery From Eyelid Surgery

Expect some bruising and swelling, more following lower lid surgery than upper lid surgery, which is typically at its worst about 3 days after surgery.  Your eyes will feel sore and tight and possibly itchy, but there is surprisingly little pain following this procedure.  Use artificial tears and ophthalmic ointment for any dryness, which can be common in the first few days.  There is social downtime, and we recommend planning for approximately 3 weeks away from events to allow for more complete recovery.  Most patients plan to take at least a week or so off work, and some longer depending on your job.  It is important to plan for avoiding strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks, although light walking is encouraged.  Do not engage in any activity that requires the face or head to be in a downward position until all postoperative swelling has resolved.  It may take 4-6 months to see final results.

Contact Avalon Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation to discuss how you may benefit from eyelid surgery to help you look more rested, younger, and refreshed!