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How to Prepare for a Blepharoplasty

In Melbourne, FL

If you want to improve the appearance of aging around the eyes or correct impaired vision caused by droopy or sagging eyelids, blepharoplasty may be right for you. At For Your Best Self, double board-certified plastic surgeon Rebecca Novo, M.D., and board-certified dermatologist Anita Saluja, M.D., are here to help.

Blepharoplasty works by removing extra skin of the upper and/or lower eyelids, making you look younger and more refreshed. It can also potentially improve your vision if it is impaired by excess skin that hangs over the upper eyelashes. Insurance may possibly cover the procedure if it is done to improve your visual fields, you first must qualify with a visual field test by an eye doctor. If you are seeking blepharoplasty to improve appearance alone, it will not be covered, while it remains one of the most affordable and impactful anti-aging procedures. Lower lid blepharoplasty is usually always performed solely to improve appearance.

How To Prepare

Before your blepharoplasty, you’ll have a physical exam by your surgeon. You should have a normal vision exam within the past year. You’ll also have your eyes photographed to help with planning the surgery and assessing its effects. In addition to discussing your medical history, an honest conversation about your expectations will help set you up for a positive outcome.

You’ll need to stop taking any medications or supplements that can cause increased bleeding one week prior, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or motrin. Since smoking can impair your ability to heal, smokers must quit a minimum of four weeks before the surgery. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery as well as have someone stay with you for the first night afterward, for safety in case swelling impairs your ability to move around. It’s always nice to have a support team regardless to help you through the initial healing stages!

What to Expect

Upper blepharoplasty alone is comfortably performed in the office. Dr. Novo precisely marks the planned incisions, where the extra skin and/or fat will be removed. Numbing medication is then injected under the skin of the eyelids. (If lower blepharoplasty is done in combination, Dr. Novo does these procedures in the outpatient surgery center with general anesthesia, for optimum comfort.) Dr. Novo then cuts along the fold of the upper lid and removes excess tissue. The skin edges are then brought together with sutures. For the lower lid, a cut is made just below the lashes or inside the lower lid. Dr. Novo then removes sagging skin and re-drapes and sculpts excess fat before closing the incision. The best results often also have fat grafting added to the hollows of the eye and cheeks.

After being monitored for comfort in the surgical recovery room, you can go home with your support team. You may experience temporary discomfort, blurred vision, swelling, bruising and other symptoms. Dr. Novo will give you instructions for care at home, including how to reduce swelling and what activities to avoid.

Risks

Possible risks of blepharoplasty include bleeding, infection, difficulty closing eyes, skin discoloration and scarring, and — in rare cases — eyesight loss. Some patients may need additional surgery. There are also general risks associated with any surgery, such as blood clots and reaction to anesthesia.

Blepharoplasty Results

After seven to 14 days, bruising and swelling will have subsided, and you may feel ready to go out in public again. The surgical scars may take several months to fade. For some, the positive results of a blepharoplasty will be permanent, while others may experience recurrence of skin laxity or excess. Surgery corrects the current tissue, but does not stop the aging process. That is why it is important to continue follow up care and maintain medical grade skin care such as Alastin Restorative Eye cream and option maintenance anti-aging procedures such as microneedling, botox, and or resurfacing.

Schedule a Consultation

For a more youthful look and to get rid of eye sagging or bags, contact our team about blepharoplasty. To schedule a consultation, call our office in Melbourne today! Our team of highly-experienced staff will work with you to help you be your best self.

 

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