Eyelid Surgery

What Should You Ask at an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?

woman at eyelid surgery consultation

Before jumping right into eyelid surgery, there are a few important questions that you should ask at your initial consultation. Not only do you want to find out more about the specific qualifications and expertise of your plastic surgeon, but you also want to get a better idea of whether this procedure could be right for you.

To help you make an informed decision, there are five questions you should ask before your eyelid surgery.

1. Are You Board-Certified?

One of the most important qualifications to look for when choosing a plastic surgeon is board certification. Physicians who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have undergone extensive medical schooling and training and have been through a rigorous residency program.

When it comes to your eyes, you definitely want to be working with a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.

2. How Many Eyelid Surgeries Have You Performed?

Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is a delicate procedure, primarily because of the small, complex eye area that it involves. Because of this, you want to make sure that the board-certified plastic surgeon you choose also has ample experience performing this type of procedure.

Ask to see before and after photos of previous eyelid surgery results to get a better idea of the quality of results you might be able to expect for yourself.

3. Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Once you’ve chosen the right plastic surgeon, it’s also important that you discuss your unique needs and goals at your eyelid surgery consultation. For some people, blepharoplasty is purely a cosmetic procedure to help remove and tighten excess skin and fat tissue in the eye are for a refreshed, younger-looking appearance.

For others, eyelid surgery can be a medical necessity, particularly when excessive upper eyelid drooping interferes with their ability to see properly. Whatever the case may be for you, try to explain your goals as clearly as possible so that your plastic surgeon can help you decide if eyelid surgery could be right for you.

4. What Should I Do to Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?

Prior to any surgical procedure, your plastic surgeon will likely ask that you stop smoking at least 4 weeks before eyelid surgery. You should also avoid taking any medications or supplements that can thin your blood and/or cause bruising. These include, but aren’t limited to, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and vitamin E.

Your plastic surgeon should provide you with an extensive list of medications to avoid, as well as detailed guidelines for eyelid surgery prep. You will also need to arrange for another responsible adult to drive you to and from your eyelid surgery appointment and help you around the house for the first few days.

5. What Can I Expect During Recovery?

Most people plan to take 10 to 14 days off of work for their eyelid surgery. As you recover, you should be able to slowly reintroduce various activities into your daily routine. For example, you should be able to read a book or a magazine after 2 or 3 days, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous physical activity for about 3 weeks. If you wear contact lenses, you may need to switch to glasses for the first 2 weeks or so after getting eyelid surgery.

Throughout the recovery process, it’s important that you keep your eyes protected from the sun and keep in contact with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you’re on track for a smooth recovery and successful results from your eyelid surgery.

 

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What Should You Ask at an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?
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What Should You Ask at an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?
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Not sure what questions to ask before eyelid surgery? Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Rand of Bellevue provides five top suggestions.
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BeautySmoothie Beauty Blog
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October 27, 2017
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