Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) is popular — in fact, it’s among the top five most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. That popularity is likely due in part to two reasons: First, your eyes are one of the first features people notice, and second, if your eyelids are droopy or saggy, they can instantly make you look tired and older.
Fortunately, eyelid surgery can help. In this post, the team at ENT Specialists offers some simple tips to help you prepare for your upcoming eyelid procedure.
After your eyelid surgery, it’s normal to have some discomfort, along with mild swelling, bruising and eye irritation. Our team provides complete aftercare instructions, along with prescriptions for oral medications and ointments when used. Having cool compresses on hand can help improve comfort, too.
If you have an underlying medical issue, like heart disease, you may need lab testing or a visit with your specialist to make sure you’re “cleared” for surgery. During your consultation with our team, we can tell you if any tests or exams are necessary.
Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs and heart — it impairs your healing processes, too. Quitting in the weeks prior to your surgery helps prevent delays in healing that could increase your risk of infections and other problems. You should avoid smoking for a few weeks afterward, too.
Some medications can increase the risk of bleeding or other potential complications. That includes certain prescription medicines, as well as over-the-counter products, like aspirin. Some vitamins and herbal products can also interfere with healing. During your consultation visit, be sure to let our team know about all medications and supplements you’re taking.
Blepharoplasty uses sedation or anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Afterward, you’ll probably still be a little groggy — and that means you won’t be allowed to drive. Before your surgery, arrange to have a friend or loved one ready to drive you home.
Recovering after blepharoplasty is a straightforward process, but you can still benefit by taking a few steps ahead of time. For instance, consider cleaning your house and preparing some meals ahead of time, so you can rest and relax during healing.
Arrange for someone to pick up prescriptions right after your surgery, and if you have kids or pets, consider asking someone to help with them, as well. Ideally, plan to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery.
Before you leave the office, we’ll provide you with instructions to help you care for your eyes and the incision sites, in addition to signs that could indicate an infection. We’ll also schedule your follow-up visits so we can check on your progress and remove stitches when necessary. It’s very important to keep all of your follow-up visits with our team. If you can’t keep a visit, call the office right away to reschedule.
Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and improve your vision. To learn more about blepharoplasty and how it can help you, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at ENT Specialists in Salt Lake City, Murray, Draper, and Tooele, Utah, today.
