If droopy upper eyelids or excess skin below your eyes is bothering you, our Richmond Optometrist will help you make an informed decision about the best eyelid surgery procedure for your unique needs.
The procedure helps you treat:
- Puffiness in the upper eyelids
- Loose skin that hangs down from the upper eyelids
- Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelid
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
- Puffy bags under the eyes
Preparation For Eyelid Surgery
A consultation is an important part of the process. The consultation allows the surgeon to determine if eyelid surgery is a safe, appropriate, and medically justified procedure for you.
Your treatment options will be discussed when you meet with your surgeon and his or her staff. At that time, you can ask questions regarding the expected outcome of your procedure or recovery, depending on whether you are undergoing surgery to remove excess skin.
A member of our staff will meet with you to discuss your situation, explain the options and answer any questions you may have. Your surgeon will be available for a personal consultation as well.
Procedure of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is performed to improve the appearance of your upper and lower eyelids. Your surgeon will use one of several techniques to remove fatty deposits, and excess skin and muscle tissue to reshape.
We recognize that eyelid surgery can be a somewhat stressful experience for our patients. During the consultation, we schedule additional time with you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. It’s our goal to make every aspect of your procedure as comfortable and stress
During your eyelid surgery, your surgeon will make incisions in the upper eyelids to remove excess skin, muscle, and fat. These incisions may extend from the inner corners of the eyes toward the outer edges of where your eyebrows meet your forehead.
Liposuction alone may not completely remove excess fat from the lower eyelids. In such cases, your surgeon may recommend a lower eyelid lift to remove extra skin and fat that is covering the socket.
Risks
While it is rare, eyelid surgery carries some risks and complications, including hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection in the incision site, and reactions to anesthesia.
Carefully follow the advice and instructions of your surgeon, both before and after surgery. Once the date for surgery has been set, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. These include guidelines on drinking, smoking, etc.
Recovery
You will be taken into a recovery area once the surgery is done where you will be closely monitored for a few hours. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications to keep you comfortable during the first few days of recovery.
Bandages are not required after eyelid surgery. You will experience some swelling and bruising, so it is best to sleep with a cold pack on your eyes for the first night or two after surgery. A few days after your procedure, you can resume normal activities and work. If necessary, you can return to work on the day following your eyelid surgery; however, you mustn’t rub or touch the incision area.
After surgery, there may be minor discomfort for the first period. With cataract surgery, this is generally minimal. Your eyes may feel tight and sore, especially the first week after surgery. In some cases, they may become dry and irritated, sensitive to light, and itchy. You may also experience blurred vision from the ointment that you will use to keep your eyelids lubricated.
Resuming Normal Activities
Following treatment, your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions and guidelines for resuming your regular daily routine. Within the first week following treatment, you can use makeup and resume most of your normal, non-strenuous activities. If you feel you are ready to return to regular activities, such as driving or exercising, please speak with Doctor X before doing so.
After most types of surgery, you’ll probably experience some swelling and bruising near your eye. This is normal. Also, after some procedures, you might have blurry vision for several days. In most cases, after several weeks, most of your swelling and any vision problems will disappear.
Follow-Up
Surgical follow-up appointments are important to your recovery. Your surgeon will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery to check on your progress. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call your surgeon’s office.
