Who is a Candidate

Blepharoplasty is ideal for people with droopy lower eyelids that cause more eye white to show. It is also beneficial for people with sagging upper lids produced by an accumulation of fatty tissue beneath the skin. People with impaired eyesight, particularly peripheral vision, treat themselves with blepharoplasty, enhancing their vision and overall appearance. Blepharoplasty can also be used to treat bags under the lower lids.

Preparation

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Avoid smoking for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery.
• Avoid sun exposure for two weeks before surgery.
• Your post-surgical medicines (usually an antibiotic and pain reliever) will be supplied to you on the day of surgery.
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight following your surgery day.
• Make arrangements for someone to drive you home

Surgery Details

The surgeon will use a specific device to remove fatty tissue if the problem is with the upper eyelid. A little quantity of muscle tissue is relocated or eliminated in rare circumstances. When the lower lid is treated, the skin is pushed upward, and extra skin is removed. Because each person’s situation is unique, the specific parameters of the process will differ from patient to patient.

If your upper eyelid droops near your pupil, your surgeon may combine blepharoplasty with ptosis surgery (TOE-sis). Ptosis elevates the eyelid and removes extra eyelid skin.

After Surgery

Your eyelid may feel stiff and uncomfortable after surgery. Your eye may be runny, dry, sticky, itching, or light-sensitive. For a few days, your eyesight may be fuzzy. Your doctor will prescribe medications to alleviate your pain and suffering.

It is critical to maintain your eyelids clean and to prevent touching them. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for cleaning and caring for your eyes.

Your sutures may disintegrate naturally. However, your surgeon may remove them 3 to 5 days following surgery. For the first 1 to 3 weeks following surgery, your eyelid may be puffy and bruised. Your eye’s look may improve for another 1 to 3 months.

Most people return to work and go out in public in 10 to 14 days. This may be determined by your employment and your feelings about others knowing about your operation. You may still have minor bruising around your eyes after two weeks.

Home Recovery

Eye surgery recovery is not difficult or time-consuming. A day or two following the surgery, most people are back at work and to their usual schedule. Because of swelling, the oils, and ointments used during the treatment, you may have difficulties seeing for the first day or so following surgery. You may also experience minor bruising or discoloration. Fortunately, they vanish in a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can treat mild discomfort. You can also treat swelling and discomfort with a cold compress.