Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

In order to ensure a safe, successful, satisfying eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) procedure, it is imperative that you prepare yourself properly in the weeks before the procedure. Consult with your surgeon regarding the best ways to prepare for your approaching surgical procedure, and adhere to them closely.

The Eyelid Surgery Consultation

If you are considering eyelid surgery, your first step should be to contact a surgeon to schedule an initial consultation. During the consultation, your surgeon will work with you to establish realistic expectations about the results of your blepharoplasty procedure. The surgery will be explained in great detail so as not to leave any question or concern you have unaddressed. Depending on your needs and your surgeon’s observations, additional facial procedures such as a brow lift or chin implants may be recommended.

Your surgeon will also arrange to view your comprehensive medical history to decide if you are in satisfactory condition for eyelid surgery. The surgeon must be made aware of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and bleeding disorders, as these can increase the risks associated with blepharoplasty. Previous eyelid surgeries and refractive surgeries such as LASIK or IntraLASIK are also crucial to know about, as they can affect the risk of complications. Your surgeon may also ask for medical clearance from your general physician and, depending on your health, request laboratory testing.

The Weeks Prior to Eyelid Surgery

In the weeks leading up to your blepharoplasty, it is important to cut down, if not eliminate, smoking and drinking alcohol. If you take vitamin E supplements, cease taking them in the weeks prior to your eyelid surgery. In addition, avoid gingko biloba and ginseng, as these are believed to prolong the bleeding after the surgery. For the same reason, aspirin or any medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen should also be avoided at all costs in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon about acceptable alternatives to these drugs. Lastly, continue to take prescription and daily medicines as long as they have been approved by your surgeon.

The Day before Eyelid Surgery

On the day before your eyelid surgery, make sure that you have the following items stocked at home:

• ice cubes
• clean washcloths
• clean bowl for cold water
• gallon-size Ziploc® bags (to make ice packs)
• sterile gauze pads
• bottle of acetaminophen
• bottle of artificial tears

Also, be sure that you have arranged for someone to take you to and from the place where your blepharoplasty will be performed.

The Day of Eyelid Surgery

While the directions for preparing for eyelid surgery may differ somewhat from surgeon to surgeon, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help ensure the procedure goes smoothly. Before adhering to any of the following guidelines, check them with your surgeon.

Make sure to shower and shampoo before the procedure and to wash your eyebrows. Cosmetics should not be worn. False eyelashes, contact lenses, jewelry, and any other unnecessary accessories should be left at home. The ideal type of clothing to wear on the day of surgery is a loose-fitting and comfortable outfit. Check with your surgeon about whether any prescription medicines or eye drops you regularly take may be taken the morning of your blepharoplasty.

Arranging Transportation and After-Care

It is imperative that you arrange for someone to transport you home after your eyelid surgery. Make sure that you clearly understand your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, as they are vital to a quick, comfortable, and safe recovery from blepharoplasty.

Find a Cosmetic Eye Surgeon near You

The results of blepharoplasty can be incredibly rewarding and satisfying, and the right surgeon will help you achieve them. If you believe that undergoing eyelid surgery would be beneficial for you, find a qualified, trustworthy cosmetic eye surgeon in your area through DocShop’s online directory.