If you’re considering undergoing cosmetic eyelid surgery, you are most certainly not alone. In 2015, more than 200,000 people in the United States sought a surgical solution for issues such as drooping eyelids, excess eyelid skin, permanently puffy eyelids, or deep grooves that made them look tired and older than they actually were. The decision to have eyelid surgery is a deeply personal one, but who you choose to do that surgery and how you care for yourself both before and after will heavily influence your post-surgical recovery period.
Understanding Eyelid Surgery
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is used to help patients improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids. Depending on the patient’s concerns and desired results, surgery may target under excess skin on upper and lower eyelids, eye bags or wrinkles, fatty deposits that give the illusion of puffiness, or overall droopiness.
The Physician Factor
Blepharoplasty is a delicate surgery performed on an equally delicate area, and it demands a deft hand. Your surgeon’s ability to tuck incision lines into your eye’s natural contours will keep visible scarring to a minimum while a doctor well-versed in the unique anatomy of the eye area will know how to create effective results with minimally invasive techniques. For these reasons and so many others, it’s absolutely essential that you choose a top-rated oculoplastic surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery.
What You Can Expect
Age, overall health, and other factors heavily influence eye surgery recovery. Some patients will heal remarkably quickly while others will have to wait just a little bit longer to enjoy their new look. You will most likely be able to return to normal activity within a few days. If you’d like to have your surgery complete before big event, make sure to discuss this with your doctor.
What You Can Do
There are several things you can do before and after eyelid surgery to help ensure a timely recovery and positive result:
- Stop smoking – impedes your body’s natural healing abilities
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatories that may increase your risk of bleeding such as Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen, herbals, or even fish oil
- Stay hydrated
- Use ice packs or cold compresses to combat swelling
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- Avoid strenuous activities and focus on resting so your body can concentrate on the healing process
- Keep your head elevated, especially when sleeping, to help minimize both swelling and bruising
- A wedge pillow will help at night, and you can nap in a recliner during the day
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the elements
- Stay positive – a great outlook can help lead to a great outcome