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Eye Lid Surgery

It has been often said that your eyes are the “windows to your soul” because they reveal so much about you.

Unfortunately, your eyes can also be deceiving if the significant effects of aging have altered them. Instead of looking rested, alert and vigilant, you may appear to be tired, run-down, angry or unhappy, due to drooping eyelids or puffy bags under the eyes.

If you feel that your eyes make you look older, sad or fatigued, you may want to consider cosmetic eyelid surgery, also called Blepharoplasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the eyelid procedure performed?
Depending on your features and the recommendation of your physician, you may undergo cosmetic eyelid enhancement on either the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Through a strategically placed incision, the upper eyelid procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. Because it is placed in a natural contour of the upper eyelid, the incision is camouflaged upon healing. Lower eyelid treatments also involved the removal of excess skin and fat. The incisions may be made just under the lower lash line or inside the lower lid. Through a personal consult, your surgeon will decide the best approach for revitalizing your eyelids.

What will I look and feel like afterward?
Every individual patient varies in degrees of bruising and healing, thus preventing a specific answer. However, we can offer a general outline of expectations:

  •  If bruising or swelling appears, it usually emerges within the first few days.
  •  Resting with the head elevated and applying cold compresses will help to  alleviate these conditions.
  •  Within the first week, the stitches will dissolve or be removed; cosmetics can  be used to cover any temporary residual discoloration, within 3-4 days.
  •  After a few weeks, you may resume vigorous exercise and wearing contact  lenses.

Will I have to be in the hospital?
Cosmetic eyelid procedures can be done in a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or in your physician’s accredited, office-based surgical suite. Blepharoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure, therefore, you will most likely return to the comfort of your home the same day. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is most common for this procedure. However, you and your surgeon may decide that general anesthesia may be the best choice for you. Both methods will insure you ultimate comfort during the process.

What kind of risks are involved?
Eyelid surgery is a safe procedure that has been performed for over 75 years. Thousands of men and women experience this surgery every year with few complications. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks. Your surgeon can detail these for you in a personal consultation.

How long will it last?
Your eyes and, consequently your entire expression, will look younger. Discuss with your physician the best way to maintain your results.

Preoperative Instructions

If you will undergo a procedure at the Cosmetic Surgical Arts Centre, please review the following instructions before the day of your procedure.
*If your procedure will be under local anesthetic only, please follow instructionsexcept number 2 and 5.
*If your procedure is under IV or General Anesthesia, follow all the instructions below.

  1. The night before surgery eat a light, easily digestible meal: consume no alcoholic beverages and retire early.
  2. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY- NO FOOD, NO LIQUIDS, NOT EVEN WATER, NO SMOKING.
  3. Brush your teeth several times prior to surgery and rinse with customary mouth washes. Do not swallow any water. Your mouth and teeth should be well cleansed to help avoid the possibility of postoperative infection.
  4. Please call us immediately if you have any symptoms of a head or chest cold. Your surgery may have to be re-scheduled.
  5. BRING SOMEONE WITH A CAR TO DRIVE YOU HOME AFTER SURGERY. If someone does not accompany you, surgery will have to be rescheduled. Someone needs to stay with you for several hours after surgery. We will not allow you to ride home unattended in a taxi.
  6. Please leave all valuables at home….(i.e. earrings, rings, necklaces, watch). The clinic will not be responsible for loss or theft.
  7. Remove all fingernail polish, lipstick and make up.
  8. If you wear contacts, please remove these at home or if need be, bring your case and solution with you.
  9. Surgery that must be canceled or rescheduled should be done so at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time.
  10. Quit smoking immediately as smoking can greatly affect the outcome of your procedure.

If you will undergo a reconstructive (ex. orthognathic) or cosmetic (ex. rhinoplasty, facelift) procedure:

  1. Wear comfortable clothing that either buttons or has a zipper. Do not wear anything you must pull over your head.
  2. On the night prior to surgery, wash your face, neck and hair well. Do not apply creams or moisturizers to the face or conditioners to the hair.
  3. On the morning of surgery, wash face and neck. Do not apply creams or moisturizers to the face. Do not wear make-up or fingernail polish.
  4. Do not take any medications by mouth other than regular Tylenol for pain up to two weeks prior to surgery. Prescription medications must be approved by your surgeon.

 

Facial Procedures