As we age, our bodies will go through wear and tear inevitably. Our eyelids show manifestations of such a phenomenon. Over time, both our upper and lower eyelids will sag due to gravity and the ageing process. Droopy eyelids and bloated eye bags are synonymous with old age. 

What Is an Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a general term for surgeries that involve repairing droopy eyelids or removing excess skin, muscle, or fats enclosing the eye. With age, the skin around our eyes stretches, and the connective tissue supporting it becomes weak. This will bring about the appearance of sagging eyelids.

Not only will this make you look old, but in some cases, it can also reduce your peripheral vision. Most eyelid surgeries are due to the latter. Looking younger is just icing on the cake.

Risks Involved with Blepharoplasty

Before you decide to go and have eyelid surgery, you must consider possible risks associated with it. You can reduce the risk factors by consulting with highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists and surgeons. 

Our surgeons and doctors have an excellent and proven track record for their excellence in this profession. As a result, you will have an operation with complete prevention of these risks. They’ll be more than happy to discuss everything with you.

Presurgery Preparation

The first step in having eyelid operation is to talk with your ophthalmologist and your plastic surgeon. They will go through your medical history and discuss with you the best approach to deal with the procedure based on your current medical condition. Also, discuss with them your expectations. You and your doctor should both agree about the results that you want to achieve after the operation.

Before the surgery, the doctor will do a physical examination of your eye and conduct some tests to check. They will also test your vision. Then they’ll take photos of your eyes from different angles as reference for the operation and also for insurance claim purposes.

You should also stop smoking weeks before the operation. Smoking can significantly delay the healing process. Stop taking anticoagulant drugs, like warfarin and aspirin, before the procedure. Consult with the doctor who prescribed you these medications for possible alternatives. Lastly, arrange for someone to drive for you before and after the operation. That person could also stay with you for the night to ensure you are safe and recovering well. 

What to Expect during and after the Procedure

Plastic surgeons usually work on the upper eyelids first for operations involving both upper and lower eyelids. They make a small incision along the fold of the eyelids. After that, they extract the excess fats, skin, and some muscles. They then suture the incision back on. After the surgery is over, you will then proceed and be monitored for possible complications in the recovery room. You may leave later that day for recovery at home.

However, you should still avoid smoking at this point. You should only resume intake of anticoagulant drugs a week after the operation. Wear dark-tinted sunglasses to protect the eyelids from any foreign bodies. 

Eyelid surgery is not a complicated surgery. But proper planning and treatment plan before and after the procedure is a must to lessen the possibility of unwanted complications.