What You Should Know about Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can correct a range of concerns, giving you a younger, more refreshed look. In some cases, it can even enhance your vision by lifting drooping lids that may obscure your vision. Eyelid surgery is quick and poses few risks. However, to further minimize side effects and speed your recovery, it is important to prepare carefully for your procedure. Dr. Barone will conduct a full exam and consultation to make sure that eyelid surgery is right for you. At this time, she will also plan out the precise steps of your procedure, and she will guide you as you get ready for blepharoplasty. For your pre-op eyelid surgery instructions, contact our San Antonio practice today.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery can address your upper lids, lower lids, or both at the same time. With blepharoplasty, Dr. Barone can reduce deep creases below your eyes, eliminate puffy areas, remove displaced fat deposits, and raise drooping lids. To perform this procedure, she will create one or more tiny, hidden incisions. The exact locations will depend on your goals and whether you are undergoing upper or lower blepharoplasty. Incision locations could include:
- The upper eyelid crease
- Along the lash line
- Inside the lower eyelid
Through these incisions, she will remove excess skin, muscle, and fat. Then she will close the incisions with tiny sutures. Whenever possible, Dr. Barone will perform blepharoplasty using local anesthesia. This will minimize recovery time and help you feel more in control.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
Your pre-surgery consultation is one of the most important steps to ensuring a good surgical outcome. Dr. Barone will first determine your candidacy for the procedure. She will consider your surgical goals, as well as your overall health. If you have sagging skin, puffy lids, or deep creases around your eyes, blepharoplasty may be right for you. To be considered for this treatment, you should be in good health. Eye diseases, dry eye, or autoimmune conditions that impair healing may limit your ability to undergo plastic surgery.
In addition to determining your candidacy for the treatment, Dr. Barone will create a unique surgical plan. She will decide on the location of the incisions and how much tissue she will need to remove. She may also suggest additional facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a facelift or brow lift. Combining treatments can give you more comprehensive results. At this time, she will also provide pre-op instructions.
Two Weeks before Your Surgery
Preparing for blepharoplasty is fairly easy, but you may need to make some adjustments to your diet and daily habits. Before eyelid surgery, you should:
- Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, diet pills, and herbal supplements two weeks before surgery
- Stop smoking and any other tobacco use for at least two weeks
- Stop drinking alcohol for one week before surgery
- Begin taking Vitamin C supplements to speed healing
You should also prepare for your recovery in advance. Arrange for a ride to and from your procedure, and, if possible, find someone to stay with you for a few days afterwards. Pre-plan easy, nutrient-rich meals, and gather cold compresses and bandages. Dr. Barone may also give you one or more prescriptions, which you should fill in advance. Finally, you should arrange to take at least a week off from work. You may need to take off more time if you have a physically strenuous job.
The 24 Hours Leading up to Your Procedure
The night before or the morning of your surgery, take a shower and wash your hair. This will help eliminate bacteria and reduce your risk for infection. Arrive at our office with a clean face, free from cosmetics and moisturizers. If you have long hair, you should pull it away from your face. Finally, do not eat or drink anything except water after midnight.
Learn More about Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
When you follow all pre-op instructions, you will typically enjoy a quick recovery, beautiful cosmetic results, and minimal discomfort. To learn more about preparing for blepharoplasty, contact our office today.