Before any surgical procedure, it’s only natural that you’ll have some questions to make sure you’re a good candidate and you have the right tools to set yourself up for success. So if you’re thinking about getting eyelid surgery, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, here’s what you need to know to help you prepare.
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Your Plastic Surgeon’s Experience Really Does Matter
The first step of your eyelid surgery journey is to pick the right plastic surgeon. This is definitely not something that you want to rush into, so take some time to do your research at home, narrow down your search and schedule a consultation with your top pick or two.
During your eyelid surgery consultation, ask how many blepharoplasty surgeries he or she has performed, and ask about credentials like board certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
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It’s Normal to Feel a Little Nervous
Getting the pre-surgery jitters is a completely normal feeling, but choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and understanding what to expect at every step along the way can help to calm those nerves.
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You’ll Have to Take Time Away from Work
Wait about three weeks after eyelid surgery to resume strenuous exercise and drinking alcohol.
Eyelid surgery is still a surgical procedure, so plan on taking some time off work and other activities to rest and recover. Most people are able to get back to work within 10 to 14 days after blepharoplasty, but you should be able to read in just a few days, so go ahead and knock out some books on your reading list while you recover.
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Makeup and Contact Lenses Will Have to Wait
To speed up your eyelid surgery recovery, you’ll need to avoid wearing makeup and contact lenses for the first two weeks after surgery. Try not to rub or scratch your eyes or eye area during this time. This should help to reduce swelling and ensure high quality results.
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You’ll Have Some Swelling and Redness
After blepharoplasty, expect to have some swelling, redness and bruising. You might also notice that your eyes are more sensitive to light than usual or feel dry and itchy. These are normal side effects and should gradually subside over the next days and weeks as you continue to heal.
In the meantime, applying cold compresses, wearing sunglasses and using eye drops can help to make you more comfortable.
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You’ll Still Look Like Yourself
People often wonder what they’ll look like after eyelid surgery, and some people even have concerns that friends and family won’t recognize them. Rest assured that you will absolutely still look like yourself—just a more youthful and energized version!
In fact, friends and acquaintances might not even realize you’ve had any surgery at all, but they might ask what you’ve been doing to look so fresh and recharged.
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It Can Take a Full Year to See Your Final Outcome
Although you should be able to get back to your normal routine after the first two weeks or so, your eyelid surgery results are still going to take some time to fully develop. It can take swelling several months to fully subside, so plan on your final results gradually revealing themselves within six months to a year after your blepharoplasty.
Providing patients with plastic surgery and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Rand uses his medical expertise and aesthetic sensibilities to make a positive impact on the lives of his patients. Dr. Rand is constantly driven by the unique challenges of plastic surgery, a field that seamlessly blends artistry and medical science.
