The wrinkles around your eyes, or smile lines, aren’t the only place where your skin can sag or wrinkle. Over time, the muscles and nerves in your eyes can lose elasticity, which leads to eyelid sagging or drooping. This not only makes you look tired, it can make you appear older than you are. For these or other reasons, you may consider blepharoplasty. This surgery aims to tighten the area around the eyes and remove excess fat that may make your eyes look puffy or droopy.
Preparing for blepharoplasty means more than showing up for the surgery. You must make several trips to your surgeon’s office for evaluation, and you will also receive instructions on medicines you may need to refrain from taking prior to surgery. By preparing for blepharoplasty and taking good care of your eyelids post-surgery, you can ensure you experience the best results.
Your Physician Visit Before Blepharoplasty Surgery
During your first visit to your plastic surgeon, you will likely discuss your considerations for surgery, your concerns about your current appearance and what you would like to see improved. You will be asked many questions about your overall eye health, such as your vision, typical moistness of your eyes and if you use any assistive devices, such as contacts or eyeglasses.
After you have made the decision to schedule your blepharoplasty surgery, your physician will likely conduct an examination of your eyelids and discuss incision techniques. Your surgeon will look for small folded areas in the skin where incisions can be made. At this time, your doctor will discuss what you can expect post-surgery. He also will take “before” photos from many different angles, which can be helpful during surgery and are used following surgery to help you visualize your results.
Two Weeks Before Blepharoplasty Surgery
In the two weeks before your surgery, your physician will have some recommendations on medications you should and should not take as well as healthy practices to follow, such as refraining from smoking. This is because smoking can affect your body’s ability to heal following surgery.
You should avoid taking any medications that may thin your blood. Taking blood-thinning medications increases your blood loss during and after surgery, which increases your risk for complications. Examples of blood-thinning medications include:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
Herbs also can have an anticoagulant effect. Examples include:
- Blackcurrant
- Borage oil
- Evening primrose
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Ginkgo biloba
If you are taking blood thinners to prevent blood clotting, talk with your surgeon and prescribing physician to determine if you have alternative options that would allow you to stop taking blood thinners for the weeks prior to surgery. Do not cease taking your blood thinners until you have received approval from your physician.
Another important factor is arranging a ride home from your surgery. While you will likely be released from the hospital or surgery center the day of your surgery, you should not drive yourself home. Your physician will only release you providing you show proof that you have a responsible party to drive you home. You may also wish to ask that person to stay with you that evening should you experience any adverse effects associated with surgery.
Preparing for blepharoplasty by taking steps to live as healthy a lifestyle prior to surgery can ensure your best outcome as well. From eating a healthy diet to taking good care of your skin, these factors can enhance your healing time post-surgery.