Blepharoplasty Procedure: What to Do Before and After

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of eyelids by removing the skin from the eyelid or adding/removing fat from it. Also called blepharoplasty, it can be performed on either the upper or lower lid or both.

It is done to either improve the facial appearance or to cater to any functional problems caused by the eyelids. People in good health are good candidates for eyelid surgery. At the same time, it is crucial to have realistic expectations from blepharoplasty.

Before Blepharoplasty: Preparing for Your Procedure

Preparation is an absolute must before any type of eye surgery. Without the right kind of preparation, the number of risks increases and you may not get the desired results.

The first step of preparation is a physical examination. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination that may include testing your tear production and measuring parts of your eyelids.
Once that is done, you have to take an examination to test your vision, including peripheral vision. Doing this will support an insurance claim.
Lastly, the surgeon will take multiple photographs of your eyes from different angles. This helps in planning the surgery and assessing its immediate and long-term effects in addition to supporting an insurance claim.

(Read more here about the costs: Final Expense Insurance 101: What You Need to Know).

Blepharoplasty Procedure

If you are undergoing upper and lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon would generally start with the upper lids first.
The doctor will deliver anesthesia, and once it is in effect, he/she will cut along the fold of the eyelid.
Then the excess skin, fat, or muscle is removed. Once the required amount is taken away, the incision is closed.
For lower lid surgery, the surgeon will cut just below the lashes on the eye’s natural crease or inside the lower lid.
The excess fat, skin, or muscles are either removed or redistributed.
The final step is to close the cut carefully. A procedure called ptosis can also be performed if your eyelid droops close to your pupil.

The entire procedure takes about two to three hours, depending on the amount and location of the tissue being removed.

After Blepharoplasty: What to Expect During Recovery

Blepharoplasty has a short recovery period. There will be immediate bruising and swelling after the surgery, and it may worsen the next day. However, it starts subsiding quickly.

To reduce the swelling and bruising in the first 48 hours, you can use a cool compress around the eyes and on your face.
Thin bandages will be placed over the incision sites, and the stitches will remain for almost a week. Some doctors may even use self-absorbing stitches that don’t require removal.
You may experience blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light, or even double vision. There will be some redness and pain where the cuts were made. Your eyelids might even feel puffy and numb. All these conditions are temporary, so there is nothing to worry about.
While resting is important, you can indulge in light physical activities. However, avoid strenuous activities such as going to the gym, swimming, etc.
Do not strain your eyes and avoid rubbing them if they itch around the stitches.
Avoid contact lenses for 2 weeks if you use them and use sunglasses for a few weeks after the surgery. You can return to normal activities after 7 to 10 days.
At the end of week 2, a majority of the bruising and swelling will be resolved. You should avoid certain medicines; consult with your doctor and avoid using those for a few days. There will be a significant change to the shape of the eyes after the surgery.
Eyelid surgery is a common procedure, like LASIK eye surgery in Fresno. So, if you are considering it, make an appointment with us soon.

Learn more about Blepharoplasty in our comprehensive guide.

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