EYELID LIFT PROCEDURE

Typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or sometimes, general anesthesia, eyelid surgery can last between one to two hours. Surgery typically begins with incisions made along the crease of the upper eyelid and just below the lashes of the lower eyelid.

After incisions are made, skin is separated and underlying fat is removed. When necessary, muscle may be trimmed or tightened and secured in a more youthful position. The skin is repositioned, trimmed of any excess, and stitched closed.

Another common technique used to treat pockets of fat in the lower eyelid is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty. During this technique, a small incision is made inside the lower eyelid and fat is removed. This technique is usually used on patients without excess skin, who only need fat removal from the lower eyelid.

EYELID LIFT PREPARATION

During your consultation you should be very open: provide all of your medical history and list all of the medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking (even if you don't think they're important).

Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring, shorten your recovery time, and decrease your chances of complications:

• Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E for one week before and a few days after your procedure. These act as blood thinners and could cause problems with blood clotting.
• Stop smoking for at least two weeks before and one week after surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure including tanning booths, facials, steaming masks, and other skin irritants.
• Don't drink alcohol in excess for two weeks before or one week after surgery.
• Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your procedure.

To make your recovery easier and more comfortable, be sure to:

• Arrange for someone to take you home and to take care of you for at least the first day.
• Fill your prescriptions and place them within easy reach where you will be resting.
• Place a bed wedge by to keep your head elevated at all times.
• You may also want to allow your hair to grow out if it is short. This will help hide scars after surgery.

EYELID LIFT POST TREATMENT

You should expect some bruising and swelling for the first week or two. Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own between four to seven days. Your eyelids may feel light or sore, but this is usually moderate. Pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort, however, if you begin to have severe pain, contact us immediately.

The recovery process is different for everyone, but within a day of your eyelid surgery you should be up and walking around. You may shower or gently wash your face and eye area immediately following surgery. Keep your head elevated for two weeks following surgery. You may apply small ice packs during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling and discomfort. For the first day or so, you may notice some tearing and light sensitivity. You may also need to clean your eyes carefully for the fist two weeks and keep your sutures free of blood and crust. Eye drops may be used if your eyes feel dry. You should be able to perform normal visual tasks like reading or watching TV soon after surgery, but should avoid wearing contacts until you are instructed to. For the first week, you should plan on being out of work and away from your usual activities. Following this period, you may gradually return to activities such as lifting, exercise, and sex. Avoid any high impact activity for about one month. Stay away from saunas for a few months as the steam can affect healing. Though the appearance of bruising will fade gradually, you may notice some remaining bruises for as long as o month after surgery therefore, you may want to consider using special camouflage makeup as you heal. These precautions will help you avoid stress to your scars and allow time for your facial tissues to heal and recover.

Because the incisions used during surgery are small and hidden within the creases of your eyelids, any scarring is usually minimal or unnoticeable. The appearance of your eye area will improve over a period of several months and you should be able to keep results that you will love for a very long time.