How to Prepare for Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

No one likes to look in a mirror and see signs of aging around their eyes. Cosmetic eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty, can restore the youthful look of your eyes. With the help of a licensed oculoplastic surgeon, you can have vibrant, younger-looking eyes once more. Whether you aim to improve the functionality of your eyelids or want to look younger, a safe and successful procedure and smooth recovery begin with proper preparation. This is your guide if you want to know how to prepare for cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Understanding the Procedure

Before going over the preparation, it is essential to understand what blepharoplasty is and what it entails. This surgery can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both. It is designed to enhance the appearance of the surrounding area of the eyes and improve vision obscured by drooping eyelids. By removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat, the surgeon can make your eyes look younger and more vibrant and allow you to see better. Like any other surgery, there are risks associated with this procedure. These risks include dry, irritated eyes, difficulty in closing the eyes, injury to eye muscles, temporary blurring of vision, infection and bleeding, noticeable scarring, and skin discoloration. Discussing your goals with a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon is crucial to the success of your surgery.

We can break the preparation into two parts:

Medical Evaluation and Consultation

Visit your surgeon for an evaluation of your medical history. Be prepared to talk about your health history. Prepare to discuss any health conditions, allergies, or past surgeries, including the medications and supplements you are currently taking. Make a list before you see your doctor to ensure you do not miss anything. Do not omit any information you think is irrelevant. Let your surgeon judge what is relevant and what is not.
Your doctor will examine your eyes and surrounding areas. This may include testing your tear production and visual field testing to determine if you have blind spots. The examination will help your surgeon determine the best procedure for you. They may also take photographs for before-and-after comparisons and to serve as documentation to support any insurance claim.

Discuss your goals with your surgeon. Be honest and clear about what you want to accomplish. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect realistically.

Pre-Surgery Preparations

Once you have committed to undergo surgery, there are different steps to go through to properly prepare.

Adjust Medications

Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding medications and supplements that you might be taking. Carefully following instructions can reduce the risk of complications.

Stop Smoking

If you are a smoker, now is the time to stop, even just temporarily. You have to do this several weeks before the surgery. Smoking can negatively impact your healing process and increase the risk of complications. Ask for support from your surgeon if you find not smoking a big challenge.

Take Time Off Work

It can take your body months to heal fully, so it is important to consider this when scheduling time off. Most patients feel comfortable in public and are back at work even after two weeks. You need to inform your surgeon about the nature of your job and ask how long you have to stay home.

Arrange for Transportation and Assistance

You will not be able to drive yourself home after the surgery. Ask a family member or a trusted friend to drive you home and assist you at home during the first few days after the surgery.

Prepare Your Home

Make sure you have everything you need within reach. Ask your surgeon for a list of things to stock up on, such as sterilized gauze pads, clean washcloths, towels, and ice packs, prescribed eye medications, and prescribed pain relievers. Ensure that everything is ready by the time you arrive home from surgery.

Follow Pre-Operative Instructions

Patients are usually instructed to fast before the surgery. Drinks and food are usually not allowed for six hours. Remember to ask your surgeon how many hours you are supposed to go without them. Avoid putting creams and makeup on your face on the day of the surgery.

Get Younger-Looking Eyes

Preparing for eyelid surgery is complex. It takes a lot of research to find the right surgeon, and you must follow your surgeon’s instructions to the letter. Understanding the process and adequate planning will decrease your anxiety and help build the foundation of a successful surgery and smooth recovery.

If you believe that younger-looking eyes can help boost your self-confidence and allow you to enjoy life more, consult a surgeon today.