Blepharoplasty Before and After

Before Blepharoplasty
Patients need to take care about few things when they plan this surgery. The surgeon will need patient's complete medical history, be sure to inform the surgeon if any allergies are there; if some vitamins, medications, other drugs are being taken. Tests for vision and tear production are also done. Any relevant information from ophthalmologist or the record of your most recent eye exam should be provided. Glasses or contact lenses should be examined. Another most important thing to discuss is goals and expectations for this surgery. Scope needs to be discussed (Whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate).

The techniques and anesthesia to be used use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved are the third thing to be taken care of before the procedure. (Note: Most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery, unless proved that drooping upper lids interfere with your vision. Check with your insurer). Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results. Specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications should be taken care of in a good manner. Carefully following these instructions will help the surgery go more smoothly. It should be ensured that someone is arranged drive the patient home after the surgery, and to help him/her out for a few days if needed.

After Blepharoplasty
Some points that are to be taken care of after the surgery include:
- Properly lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply a bandage if required.
- Keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
- Clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so.

When eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. The minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. The incision sites will look red and irritated and there may be some minor bumpiness. There will be some swelling and discoloration around patient's eyes, but this will fade and the patient begin to look and feel better with each day. The swelling and bruising (If there) takes not more than one to two weeks to disappear. Tiny whiteheads may appear after stitches are taken out. The surgeon can remove them easily with a very fine needle.

Other complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another very rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required. The patient should be able to read or watch television after two or three days. However, he/she won't be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks, and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while. Patients may need to wear makeup to hide the bruising that remains. The positive results of your eyelid surgery-the more alert and youthful look-will last for years. For many people, these results are permanent.