Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available to help restore a more youthful appearance. Whether you’re considering blepharoplasty to reduce droopy eyelids or reduce puffiness around your eyes, you should do a few things to prepare for the procedure. Understanding everything required to prepare for blepharoplasty can help ensure a successful procedure and a speedy recovery.

At Lorraine Golosow, MD, we want to ensure you’re well-prepared for your procedure and receive the best results possible. We’ve outlined some important tips to consider when preparing for blepharoplasty.

Get Lab Testing and a Medical Evaluation

Before undergoing any medical procedure, it’s important to get a comprehensive medical evaluation. Dr. Golosow will conduct this evaluation to ensure you’re healthy enough for the procedure.

Lab testing is also an essential step in preparing for blepharoplasty. These tests help your doctor determine if you have any underlying medical issues that could pose a risk during the procedure.

If you’re taking any medications, including over-the-counter medications or supplements, inform your plastic surgeon beforehand. This information can help the doctor assess your risk and make necessary adjustments to the procedure or anesthesia.

Avoid Alcohol, Medications, and Supplements

Prior to your blepharoplasty procedure, it’s important to avoid alcohol as well as medications and supplements. This includes certain over-the-counter and prescription medications and herbal supplements.

Drinking alcohol before your procedure can increase the risk of complications and interfere with the anesthesia results. Alcohol can also contribute to dehydration, interfering with the healing process.

Specific prescription medications like blood thinners can interfere with the procedure and your recovery. Tell Dr. Golosow about any medications and supplements you take before the procedure.

Follow Pre-operative Instructions

Follow any pre-operative instructions given to you by your doctor before the procedure is crucial. This may include avoiding smoking before and after the procedure so the healing process isn’t hindered. You may also be told to stop taking certain medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen. These medications thin the blood and can increase your risk of bleeding during or after the procedure.

Your doctor may also advise you to discontinue any cosmetic products you’re using, like makeup, lotion, foundation, and perfume. They have the possibility to interfere with the procedure.

Schedule A Consultation

Undergoing blepharoplasty can help restore a youthful look and reduce puffiness and sagging skin around the eyes. However, it’s important to follow specific instructions to help ensure a safe and successful procedure. At Lorraine Golosow, MD, Dr. Golosow and her staff are dedicated to providing high-quality care and helping you prepare for your procedure.

If you’re considering blepharoplasty, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call our Fort Myers or Cape Coral, FL offices or use our online scheduling form.

Droopy upper lids can significantly age your appearance or give you a perpetually tired look. If you are bothered by these physical appearances, an upper blepharoplasty can help! When preparing for surgery, it’s important to understand the recovery process and what to expect. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you with an easy recovery.

What is Upper Blepharoplasty?

Drooping eyes can make you appear older than you are or create the appearance of being constantly tired. Upper eyelid surgery or upper blepharoplasty removes unwanted loose or hanging skin around the eyes, giving you a softer and more youthful appearance. Excess fat is also removed during the procedure to open up the eyes and brighten your appearance. By removing this excess hanging skin and fat, vision is also improved since severely sagging lids weigh heavily on the eyes.

Tips For Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery

For a smooth recovery and excellent final results, follow these steps during your eyelid surgery recovery:

1: Get Adequate Sleep

After surgery, your body needs time to rest and heal so getting a good amount of sleep is important. Make sure to sleep with your head elevated slightly for the first week to minimize swelling.

2: Protect Your Eyes

Your eyes may be sensitive to bright light after surgery so it is important to avoid sun exposure and wear dark sunglasses when outdoors. Heat and sun exposure can worsen swelling and impact your recovery. Sunglasses will also protect your eyes from the wind and debris that could blow into them.

3: Eat a Healthy Diet

Just like sleep, your body needs a good, nutritious diet to heal. Eat a diet that mainly consists of vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits and protein-rich lean meat, fish, or nuts.

4: Do not apply makeup

You should also only wear makeup with your eyelids once Dr. Golosow says it is safe. If your eyelids are still swollen, you should wait at least 2 weeks before applying makeup. This is good to know if you are planning to an upcoming event since you’ll want to give your eyes time to heal.

5: Avoid rubbing your eyes

Some people may feel uncomfortable after surgery because of dryness of the eye area. Rubbing the eyes could re-open the incisions and cause more irritation. If your eyes feel itchy, apply lubricating eye drops or moisturizer to the surrounding skin.

6: Avoid Strenuous Activity

Strenuous exercise as well as heavy lifting and bending at the waist can increase blood flow to the face and worsen swelling. Eye strain can also dry out the eyes, making you more uncomfortable, so try to avoid activities like reading and watching TV for about one week.

Schedule a Consultation

If you want to refresh your youthful appearance, schedule a consultation today with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lorraine Golosow. She will be happy to answer any questions you might have and discuss the procedure in greater detail.