How to Prepare for and Recover from Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Successful eyelid surgery (blepharoplasy) can leave you looking younger, more alert, and healthy. This procedure is often performed in combination with a facelift. Cosmetic eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat from around the eyes, in order to change droopy or hanging eyelids associated with age or in some cases genetics. Whether upper or lower eyelids or both are being corrected, it is a delicate operation. Here's what you can expect during recovery...

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, so you will be able to go home a few hours after the surgery.

2. After the eyelid surgery, your eyes will be covered with a lubricant and bandages.

3. Immediately after your eyelid surgery, you may be asked to keep your head elevated to allow proper drainage.

4. You will be given antibiotics. These is to prevent infection. You will also be given pain medication. If the pain becomes worse or is severe, report this to your doctor, since it could be a sign of infection after eyelid surgery.

5. During your recovery, you will be instructed not to use make up or face cream or contacts, until your eyes have healed from eyelid surgery.

6. You will be asked to avoid alcohol, because this can cause a reaction with the antibiotics and pain medication.

7. Your eyes will need to be lubricated with lubricating eyedrops after the eyelid surgery. This can help prevent itching, burning, and sensitivity.

8. Your eyes will require careful cleaning after eyelid surgery. Your doctor will instruct you on this before you go home.

9. You may be offered cold compresses for your eyes.

10. You can expect some blurry vision for the first few days after eyelid surgery. Plan to take it easy, and get yourself some books on tape to keep entertained.

11. In general, the stitches will be removed a week after the operation, and the swelling will gradually decrease over a few weeks time.

12. You may be asked to protect your eyes from bright lights, such as those from the television or computer, and the sun. Sunglasses are generally recommended after eyelid surgery. The sensitivity will be reduced overtime.

13. Avoid vigorous activity for a month after the eyelid surgery.

[sonni57]

on 5/17/2009 Thanks for the good article on eyelid surgery I hope I never have to do it.