A blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can do much to rejuvenate the entire look of the face. The procedure can correct droopy, sagging, puffy eyelids that have been affected by aging, gravity, and genetics. Following eyelid surgery, a patient’s eyes will look younger and refreshed. Of course, there is one important step between eyelid surgery and the final results, a step that you’ll be responsible for: your recovery. To prepare for a successful recovery, follow these tips prior to your surgery.
Understand What Happens During Blepharoplasty
Understanding the eyelid surgery before your procedure can help you to have a better comprehension of what needs to heal. Eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower lid or both at once. During an upper eyelid surgery, the hooding of the upper eyelid is addressed. It is a very routine procedure performed under local anesthetic or light IV sedation. Using concealed incisions, the excess sagging skin is removed from the upper eyelid. A lower lid blepharoplasty is performed in much the same way, but with the addition of fat transfer or fillers if needed in order to restore contour to this area of the face. This lower eyelid surgery technique has been uniquely designed by The Glasgold Group to achieve optimum results for patients with hollowed eyes and other concerns.
Plan Ahead for the Day of Your Surgery
Leading up to your surgery, take care of the tasks you won’t be able to complete while you are in the early days of recovery. Run your errands to buy groceries, refill prescriptions, and take care of whatever else you must do in a typical week. Do the dishes and the laundry, tidy up the house, and perform your basic weekly household chores in the days before your surgery. You won’t want to do these things while you are recovering and you certainly don’t want to run out of clean spoons or pajamas. Plan ahead for your rest and relaxation by taking care of these basic necessities in advance.
The night before your surgery, make sure to get a good night’s sleep. When you wake up in the morning, take a nice, hot shower and relax your nerves. It is important to be calm and ready for your surgery. If you have long hair, tie it back out of your face so it will not get in your plastic surgeon’s way. Finally, make arrangements for a ride to and from your surgery. Due to swelling and sedatives, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Ask a friend or family member to help you out on the day of your surgery so you can get home safely and quickly to begin your recovery.
Know What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
Following your blepharoplasty surgery, you should expect some swelling, bruising, and redness around the eye area. Some patients experience irritation or dryness of the eyes and general discomfort. During the first 48 hours after your surgery, getting enough rest and applying cold compresses to the area is essential. You will be asked to keep your head elevated to help reduce swelling. You will also be able to use pain medication to help manage any discomfort from your surgery. At the end of your surgery, the area around your eyes will be wrapped with bandages, which you will likely be asked to change for the first few days of recovery. Prepare yourself by stocking up on any medical supplies and cold compresses that your doctor recommends you have on hand. You won’t be able to run out to the pharmacy once you have your surgery.
After the first 48 hours, your swelling should be subsiding and you should be experiencing less discomfort. Most patients are able to resume their daily activities after the first week or so. Bruising and swelling should be almost completely gone around two weeks following your eyelid surgery. Discuss your recovery timeline with your plastic surgeon during your consultation or post-operative appointment.
Prepare Your Home for Recovery
While you’re recovering, you need to be comfortable and have all of your necessary items easily accessible. To keep yourself from wandering all over the house looking for what you need, dedicate a space in your home to be your Recovery Area. This should be a comfortable spot, like a couch or bed, and should be set up with pillows and blankets. Nearby, stock up on bottles of water and easy-to-eat snacks that don’t require refrigeration. Fill a basket with your medical supplies, medications, daily vitamins and supplements, and other essentials. Set out appropriate post-operative clothing, such as loose-fitting or button-front tops and pajamas. With these must-have items in place, your recovery can be a relaxed, stress-free experience. You’ll be able to focus on exactly the right thing: healing your body.
Schedule Your Eyelid Surgery Today
Take the time to select the right plastic surgeon with a proven reputation for delivering results, so you know you’ll have a great facelift and fat transfer experience from day one. The Glasgold Group can deliver these long-lasting results for your facelift and many other procedures. A family practice, The Glasgold Group was founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Alvin Glasgold. His sons, Dr. Robert Glasgold and Dr. Mark Glasgold, carry on the family legacy as double board certified New Jersey facial plastic surgeons. Dr. Robert Glasgold brings a specialty area in aesthetic facial plastic surgery, especially in blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and total facial rejuvenation. Dr. Mark Glasgold is devoted to the complete rejuvenation of the aging face, with a focus on facelifts, eyelid surgeries, and more. Book a consultation with The Glasgold Group, located at 31 River Road in Highland Park, New Jersey, by calling (732) 846-6540 today.