About Eyelid Surgery/ Blepharoplasty in Orange County
Read about Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty and the Pinch Technique
Understanding Blepharoplasty:
Upper blepharoplasty is a surgery that sculptures the upper eyelid crease and eyelid area and in some cases is designed to improve the shape of tired eyes by removing and refining excess tissue or lifting the eyelid structures. Lower lid surgery is designed to tighten skin and lower lid ligaments while sculpturing the prominent fat pads of the lower eyelid to decrease or eliminate dark circles and puffiness that contributes to a tired look. Lateral canthopexy is a procedure that tightens the lateral canthus which is a ligament located at the outer corner of each eye. This procedure is often done at the same time as a blepharoplasty, forehead lift, or a temple lift. By tightening the ligament, the look of a downward pull of the outer corners of the eyes is reduced. Lateral canthopexy can also restore the strength of the lower lid ensuring that the skin and muscle “hug” the eye. The new techniques are producing a more rested, natural appearance without appearing surgically enhanced. As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites.
What to expect after a blepharoplasty:
Immediately following upper eyelid surgery, an ointment (Puralube) will be applied directly over the sutures to prevent dryness. This will help to keep the eye area supple. The patient will be given a tube of Puralube after surgery to apply to the incision line with a Q-tip twice a day for approximately 1 week.
The post-operative instructions for the lower lid surgery will vary depending on the technique used for lower eyelid surgery. During fat repositioning, an antibiotic eye drop will be prescribed for use after surgery. If a skin incision is required for the lower lid surgery, Puralube will be used along the suture line for approximately one week. Sutures are typically removed 4-7 days after surgery, depending on the rate of healing.
Following upper lid surgery, the suture line may be pink for weeks after surgery, but will return to a natural tone day by day. Lower lid surgery will display bruising and swelling for anywhere from one to three weeks depending on the individual’s rate of healing. Patient compliance is extremely important and the patient must make the commitment to follow the pre-surgical and post-operative instructions of the surgeon. For patients who tend to bruise heavily and need to return to their routine sooner than the bruising subsides, one of our medical aestheticians will assist you with cover-up make-up approximately 10-14 days after your surgery. Vision may be slightly impaired for several days following surgery. This is partly due to the degree of swelling around the eyes and the ointment used in the eyes during surgery. Your vision will return to normal as your tears begin to wash the ointment out from the eyes and the swelling begins to dissipate. All patients are seen in the office the day after surgery. A ride will be necessary and this appointment takes approximately 15 minutes. Patients are seen by the doctor on the 4th post-operative day for suture removal and again on the 7th post-operative day for remaining sutures to be removed. Driving may be resumed when all sutures are removed in one week. Make-up may be worn in approximately one week.
Contact Lenses:
1. Soft contacts may be worn after one week.
2. Hard contacts may be worn after approximately 2 weeks.
3. Please check with your doctor before using either type of lens.
Post-Operative Instructions:
1. Cold compresses or frozen peas placed in baggies should be used to help reduce the swelling. Prior to applying the cold compresses or frozen peas, protect the eyes with a clean washcloth. Apply the compress on the eyes for fifteen minutes and leave it off the eyes for one hour. This routine should be done for two days following surgery. Ice packs are not recommended on other areas of the face unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.
2. For upper eyelid surgery, apply Puralube with a Q-Tip over the incision line twice daily for one week.
3. For lower eyelid surgery, apply 2 drops of the antibiotic eye drop in each eye twice a day for one week. If a lower lid incision was required, apply Puralube with a Q-Tip to incision line for one week.
4. Take the prescribed medications and VitaMedica supplements as directed by your doctor until finished.
5. Sleeping or resting with the head elevated above the heart will help to reduce the degree of swelling around the eyes. Two pillows will provide adequate elevation. Do not sleep on your side.
6. Avoid a high sodium diet.
7. Eat a well balanced, healthy diet and drink plenty of liquids.
8. Avoid hot baths and showers. You may keep the water temperature warm. No Jacuzzi tubs.
9. Avoid bending, lifting, and straining during the first several weeks following surgery. Exercise is not recommended for 3-4 weeks or until the doctor authorizes it.
Concerns to notify the office for:
1. Nausea or vomiting after surgery.
2. Increasing pain not managed by the pain medication.
3. Unusual swelling immediately following surgery once home. A moderate degree of swelling is expected and normal for up to two days after surgery.
4. A fever of 101 degrees or higher 1-2 days after surgery.
*** Please use the entrance to our surgery center, 100C for all post-operative appointments. Ring the doorbell and our office staff will assist you. This entrance allows us to accommodate your need for privacy and comfort.
*** Your surgeon and medical staff may be reached at (949) 276-4141 during office hours. If you are calling after hours, please dial (949) 276-4141 and review the following options: 4 will page the surgeon, 5 will direct your call to the surgery center, 6 will direct your call to the overnight suite.
Read about Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty and the Pinch Technique
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