Most people struggle with baggy or droopy eyelids because of various reasons. Some are naturally born with it, and other people have them due to their old age. One thing is for sure, though; droopy eyelids can be removed through eyelid surgery.
It’s not uncommon to see people lose self-confidence because of their physical appearance, especially when it comes to their eyes. Before you schedule an appointment, you must first get acquainted with the process and the pre and post-surgery care to ensure your healing and effective results. If you’ve been struggling with droopy eyelids and you’re planning to schedule surgery, read the care sheet below to be informed.
What is the process of eyelid surgery?
Let’s first understand what this rejuvenating cosmetic procedure is. This treatment helps sculpt or lift the tissue around your eyes to give you a younger-looking and refreshed appearance. What it does is remove the excess fat and skin that makes your eyes look baggy and droopy.
This surgery can be done to your upper, lower eyelid, or both. Now, let’s go through the actual process. You will have to consult your plastic surgeon about the areas that need work.
Your plastic surgeon will evaluate and examine your eyes and eyelids. This may include taking measurements and checking the looseness of the skin. You may also be asked to see your primary care physician for a preoperative exam to ensure that you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery.
The surgical procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision on the chosen location. Suppose you decide to work on your upper lid. In that case, the cut is usually made around the natural crease of your eyelid. This process will allow the surgeon to remove the excess fat and skin around the area.
If you choose to work on your lower lid, then the incision is made beneath the eyelashes. The same with the upper eyelid; the excess fat and skin are removed or redistributed. You don’t have to worry about pain during the surgery since your surgeon will be giving you anesthesia.
Are you a qualified candidate for surgery?
Before scheduling an appointment, you need to know that not everyone can undergo this surgery. You may not be a good candidate for surgery if you have these health problems:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Dry eyes
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Previous eye surgery
If you have any of the mentioned ailments, it’s best to discuss them with your doctor and surgeon. Continuing with the surgery may lead to potential risks.
What to prepare before the procedure
It would be best if you ask your plastic surgeon any questions you have about the procedure so that they’ll inform you. Before the surgery, make sure to wear comfortable clothing. Also, avoid eating or drinking anything the night before your surgery since you’ll be given anesthesia.
If you have a medical condition and your doctor told you to take your medicine, take it with a sip of water. You should know that there are certain medicines that you should avoid taking. These are:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Warfarin
- Anti-inflammatory
- Blood-thinning medicine
Patients are also suggested to avoid smoking two weeks before the surgery. Smoking can affect your health and blood vessels, affecting your procedure and making you prone to infections.
What to expect on the day of the surgical process
During the day of your surgery, make sure to bring your ID and all the necessary paperwork. Also, to give your eyes some time to adjust and recover, you will need to ask someone to drive you home. You should also bring sunglasses since your eyes will be extra sensitive to light.
As you arrive at the clinic, they will check your vital signs, and the nurse will place an IV in your arm. When you’re ready, you will be directed to the operating room and be asked to lie flat on a chair. The area that needs work will be cleansed using an antiseptic solution to ensure your safety.
The plastic surgeon will wait until the sedating medication makes you drowsy and sleepy before starting the surgery. It should take at least less than two hours for the whole surgery to be done. After the entire process, you’ll be taken to a recovery room to be monitored.
Once you’re good to go, you’ll need to start preparing for your post-surgery care at home.
Common side effects of Eyelid surgery
Side effects after the surgery are common, and there’s nothing to worry about. You’ll just need to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to ensure your healing. Usually, a complete recovery will take 10 to 24 days, so you’ll experience some side effects during the healing phase.
The most common side effects of your eyelid surgery are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Soreness
- Bruising
- Tightness of your eyelids
- Dryness of eyes
- Itching
- Sticky eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Burning sensation
If your symptoms will worsen, make sure to calm down and contact your doctor immediately.
How can you care for yourself at home?
To avoid prolonged side effects, you’ll need to care for yourself at home after the surgery. Always remember to take your time off to give your body some time to heal correctly. This surgery will require you to take a break from your work or everyday activities.
However, your recovery won’t take long. Usually, bruising goes away first after 2 to 3 weeks. Next is swelling, which can last up to 8 weeks.
And the rest will follow. To help the recovery process, follow these aftercare guidelines
1. make sure to rest when you feel tired. Sleeping will help you recover.
2. Sleep on several pillows to keep your head elevated.
3. Limit reading and using gadgets such as laptops, TV, and phones.
4. Don’t wear a contact lens
5. Don’t wear any eye makeup 6. Don’t try to rub or put pressure on your eye
7. Avoid strenuous activities
8. Avoid swimming
9. Always wear sunglasses when you go out
10. If you’re wearing an eye bandage, wear it as long as your doctor told you so and change them daily.
11. Keep your bandage clean and dry
12. It would also help ease the pain if you put an ice pack over your eyes.
Eyelid surgery can surely help reshape the area around your eyes. Now that you’ve learned the pre and post-surgery care of this rejuvenating cosmetic procedure, pick a board-certified surgeon or visit clinics like Utah Facial Surgical Arts and book for a consultation. You’re a few steps away from gaining your confidence back and looking more revitalized.
