Six Tips to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Popular among men and women alike, the procedure is used to remove and tighten excess eye skin to achieve a more youthful, bright-eyed appearance.
Some people opt to have eyelid surgery because their sagging upper eyelids interfere with their peripheral vision. For others, the procedure gives them a chance to eliminate those stubborn under-eye bags that make them look perpetually tired or under the weather.
Many of the people who come to Aesthetic Surgery Center are surprised by just how much a minor procedure like eyelid surgery can improve their overall appearance. If you’d like to get rid of droopy eyelids and take a few years off your face, here’s what you should do to prepare for the procedure.
Have a comprehensive eye exam
A comprehensive eye exam is a multi-part test that’s designed to assess your eye health and your visual acuity. During the exam, your eyes will be evaluated for early signs of common eye conditions and disorders, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, and low vision.
Your visual acuity, including your distance vision and peripheral vision, will also be assessed.
Although your surgical team needs to know the results of your eye exam, they’re also required to support an insurance claim for surgery that’s being done primarily to improve vision.
Have a pre-surgery physical exam
Before you can undergo eyelid surgery, you’ll need to have a thorough physical exam to ensure that you’re healthy as well as a suitable candidate the procedure. You can expect to go over your complete medical history, including any past surgeries and current conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid issues, and circulatory problems.
During the exam, you can expect to give blood and urine samples, undergo heart and lung tests, have your tear production tested, and have your eyelids measured and photographed.
Quit smoking cigarettes
If you’re a smoker, you’ll need to stop smoking cigarettes for several weeks prior to your surgery, and then continue abstaining from the habit for several weeks after your procedure, too.
That’s because smoking increases your risk of suffering some type of complication during surgery, and interferes with your body’s ability to recover efficiently after surgery.
Anesthesia is also safer and more predictable for nonsmokers, because their blood vessels, heart, lungs, and nervous system generally function more optimally than in those who smoke.
Stop taking certain medications
Provide your surgeon with a complete list of the medications and supplements you’re taking. You’ll need to stop taking any medications or herbal supplements associated with increased bleeding for one or two weeks before to your procedure, or as directed by your surgeon.
These medications can thin your blood and prevent it from clotting normally, possibly causing excessive bleeding during your surgery. Medications you shouldn’t take include warfarin, aspirin, and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen, among others.
Find someone to drive you to and from surgery
Eyelid surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t be staying overnight in the hospital. Because you won’t be able to drive yourself home following eyelid surgery, it’s important to arrange a ride to and from your procedure in advance. It’s also a good idea to have someone stay with you in the first few hours after your procedure — or overnight — to make sure you’re recovering as expected.
Follow all preoperative instructions
Prior to your procedure, you’ll be given detailed instructions on the steps you should take to prepare yourself for surgery. This includes directions on when you should stop eating and drinking. For example, early morning eyelid surgery usually means no food or drink, including water, after midnight. You’ll also be asked to avoid wearing any kind of makeup or facial lotion.
Here at Aesthetic Surgery Center, we’re excited to show you what eyelid surgery can do for you. Call our office today, or make an appointment using our convenient online booking tool. A new, younger-looking you may be right around the corner.