How Does Eyelid Surgery Work? What to Expect Before, During, and After

Aging changes that impact the eyes include loose or sagging skin that hangs over your upper eyelids, droopy lower eyelids and puffiness under the eyes. The good news is that cosmetic surgery can fix these common concerns. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the upper eyelids for aesthetic reasons or to address droopy or sagging eyelids that may impair vision. Eyelid surgery in Manhattan can enhance the appearance of the face by creating a more alert, youthful and refreshed look. Many patients seek this procedure not only for cosmetic reasons but also because eyelid surgery results can improve both appearance and vision.

Eyelid Surgery Step by Step

First, the plastic surgeon will evaluate you to identify your concerns, expectations and goals, and determine if you are a candidate for the treatment. Once it has been established that you are a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to identify the specific concerns that require correction. These include a low brow position, drooping brows, excessive eyelid skin, muscle and fat, upper eyelid droop, and lower eyelid retraction and slackness. This minimally invasive procedure on the eyes involves the removal of fatty tissues using specialized instruments. In certain cases, the muscle tissue may also be repositioned or removed. The incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Careful eyelid surgery preparation at this stage ensures a safer procedure and smoother recovery.

Advanced techniques, such as laser blepharoplasty, are an improvement over the traditional surgical technique. The benefits of it include minimal visible scarring, minimal discomfort, shorter downtime, and quicker recovery. During upper blepharoplasty, a blunt-needle anesthetic injection is used to reduce post-operative bruising, hematoma, and pain, further enhancing the overall experience and outcome of the procedure.

What to Expect before, during and after Eyelid Surgery

Before the Surgery

• Consultation: You will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss your expectations regarding the procedure, medical history, and goals. Your eyelids will be examined by the surgeon to see whether you are a good candidate.
• Medical evaluation: To rule out any underlying problems or elements that can influence the procedure or its results, the surgeon may do a complete physical examination.
• Preparation: Prior to the procedure, you’ll be given preoperative instructions, which may include refraining from smoking, taking certain medications, and fasting for a predetermined amount of time.
• Follow a healthy diet to avoid any health issues at the time of the procedure.
• Make your home ready for post-operative care before your treatment.
• Make arrangements for a family member or friend to accompany you to and from the practice and for someone to be with you during the first 48 hours after the procedure.
• Do not eat or drink anything the night before or after midnight the day before the surgery day, prescription medication can be taken with the knowledge of your surgeon.
• Wear comfortable clothing on the surgery day and avoid makeup or jewellery.

Knowing what to do before the treatment helps you to prepare physically and mentally for the procedure.

During the surgery

• Anesthesia: You will be given local anesthesia before eyelid surgery in Manhattan.
• Incisions: To reduce obvious scarring, the surgeon will make incisions along your eyelids’ natural creases and wrinkles. The incision for upper eyelid surgery is often placed in the crease of the eyelid. The incision for lower eyelid surgery is placed on the inside of the eyelid or just below the lash line.
• Tissue adjustment: To enhance eyelid contour, reduce puffiness, and address drooping, extra skin, fat, and muscle are carefully removed or relocated.
• Closure: Sutures or surgical adhesives are used to close the incisions. These materials are normally removed a few days later or allowed to disintegrate naturally.

After the Surgery

• Recovery: Until the anesthesia’s effects wear off, you will be observed in a recovery area. During the initial days of eyelid lift recovery there may be mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses.
• Post- operative instruction: You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, including how to keep them clean and administer the recommended ointments or eye drops. It’s important to carefully follow these directions. Apply the ointment and eye drops as directed; take the prescribed medicines and use cold compress packs if advised.
• Recovery and outcomes: The initial swelling and bruises normally resolve within a few weeks. You’ll find that your eyelids look refreshed and invigorated as the incisions heal.
• Follow ups: Follow-up consultations will be scheduled with your surgeon to check on your recovery and guarantee the best outcomes. You will be given instructions about when you can resume usual activities, such as donning makeup and contact lenses.

If you intend to get blepharoplasty, choose an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery facility that has qualified cosmetic surgeons who are experienced in performing the procedure. Such surgeons will be knowledgeable about the tissues surrounding the eyes, which is essential for preventing complications and providing the best results for each patient.