Eyelid Lift Surgery: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Did you know that eyelid lift surgery is among the top five surgical procedures among seniors?

As skin ages, it slowly loses its elasticity. This leads excess skin to collect on the upper and lower eyelids. The excess skin on your eyelids not only causes bulges and wrinkles but can also affect your sight and confidence.

Luckily, eyelid lift surgery can help you improve your appearance and build your confidence. You can also get the surgery done sooner if you have baggy or droopy eyelids.

If you’re considering getting this surgery, below is a guide for tips on preparation and the recovery process.

What is Eyelid Lift Surgery?

Also known as blepharoplasty, it’s the type of surgery performed to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids and reduce bagginess from your lower eyelids.

How to Prepare for an Eyelid Lift Surgery

This procedure doesn’t require any special preparation. Before getting eyelid surgery, your blepharoplasty surgeon may ask you to:

• Undertake a medical assessment to determine whether you need an upper or lower eyelid lift
• Avoid certain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and any anti-inflammatory drugs
• Refrain from smoking two weeks before surgery
• Avoid sun damage by wearing an SPF 30 or higher
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery
• Arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital and to stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes the day of surgery

Steps of an Eyelid Lift Surgery Procedure

Wondering what’s done during the procedure? A typical eyelid surgery procedure follows these steps:

Step 1: Administer Anesthesia

Your surgeon will administer anesthesia to make you more comfortable during the surgical procedure. Expect to feel sleepy for an hour or so.

Step 2: Design Incisions

Incision lines will be created. If you’re undergoing an upper eyelid lift, an incision will be designed within the natural crease on the eyelid. For a lower eyelid lift, your doctor will create an incision just below the lower lash line.

Step 3: Closing the Incisions

Your blepharoplasty surgeon will close your eyelid incisions with sutures or skin glue. If you get sutures, they’ll remove them within one week. Your doctor may recommend using a chemical peel or laser to reduce discoloration of the lower eyelids.

Step 4: Post Surgery Results

After an eyelid lift surgery, you may experience swelling and bruising. It will subside to reveal a smooth, well-defined eyelid in 10 to 14 days. But healing may take a couple of months. The results of eyelid surgery will be long-lasting.

What You Should Do During Your Eyelid Surgery Recovery

Aftercare is vital for a successful procedure. Now that you know what to expect from your eyelid surgery, here are a few recovery tips to follow:

• Use ice packs on your eyes, especially during the first three days
• Clean your eyelids gently
• Stop smoking
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Use the prescribed eye drops or ointments
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
• Don’t wear contact lenses for about two weeks after the surgery
• Get enough sleep—sleep with your head raised above your chest the first few days

Ensure You Get Professional Eyelid Lifting Surgery

If you need eyelid lift surgery, make sure it’s performed in an accredited, office-based surgical facility or hospital. When the eyelid lift cost is a little above budget, your insurance can cover it if the surgery is for a medical reason.

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