Why is this procedure done?
This procedure is done to improve the look of your eyes. You may need it to remove extra skin or fat from the eyelid. This includes loose or puffy eyelids and bags under your eyes. It is also done to remove sagging skin that limits your eyesight. You can have this procedure on your upper or lower eyelid. Sometimes, it is done on both. ‚
What will the results be?
Your eyes will look younger after a blepharoplasty. Your eyesight may be better if your baggy skin was blocking your vision. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- Eyesight tests
- Eyelid exams
- Do not wear eye or face make-up the day of the surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. The skin around your eyes will be numbed.
- A cut will be made along the skin lines or from the inside of the eyelids. Extra fat will be removed. Any loose skin and muscle will be trimmed down. The cut site will be closed with stitches. These will dissolve and do not need to be removed. The surgery most often takes an hour or more based on how much skin and fat need to be removed.
What happens after the procedure?
The staff will watch you closely after surgery until you are ready to go home. ‚
- You may have bandages over your eyes when you wake up from the surgery. Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wounds.
- You may feel ointment in your eyes. This will help with dryness.
- Your eyelids may feel tight and sore. Ice packs will help with swelling and bruising. This may last for a couple of weeks. Scars will most likely fade after a few months.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Prop your head on pillows. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- When it is safe for you to shower or bathe
- Wearing sunglasses and using a special sunblock for your eyelids. Your eye may be sensitive to sunlight, wind, and other irritants.
- Eye drops to keep your eyes moist
- OTC pain drugs
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Ask your doctor when you can wear your contact lenses again.
- Do not rub your eyes after the surgery.
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding. Some bruising (black eye) is normal and this will improve after a few days.
- Facial pain
- Redness, swelling, or more pain in the eyelids
- Infection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
Where can I learn more?
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ‚
http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/blepharoplasty.html ‚
The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.aao.org/eyecare/treatment/blepharoplasty/index.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚