Many men and women get eyelid surgery for aesthetic and medical reasons. Regarding aesthetics, eyelid surgery — also known as blepharoplasty — can make you look years younger. Regarding medical reasons, eyelid surgery can correct drooping skin that may interfere with your eyesight.
No matter your reason, Christopher Brooks, MD, at Brooks Plastic Surgery can give you an eyelid surgery that restores the function and natural appearance of your eyelids. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, here are five things you should know to prepare for it.
If you’re a smoker or if you use tobacco in another form, discontinue its use a month before your eyelid surgery. If you resume after your procedure, wait at least a month. Efficient blood flow is crucial to healing, and the presence of nicotine in your system can interfere with your body’s ability to supply blood to the surgical area. Smoking can also speed up the aging process, so if your blepharoplasty is for cosmetic reasons, you’ll maintain better results if you quit for good.
Advise Dr. Brooks of all medications and dietary supplements you use during your consultation. Some of these may interfere with certain surgical techniques, so Dr. Brooks may advise you to temporarily discontinue these medications or suggest alternatives. You should also avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before surgery.
Rest is key to recovery, and keeping your head elevated will encourage proper drainage. So make sure you have places you can rest at with your head up. Also, you may be bandaged and unable to see well, so remove trip hazards and, if needed, rearrange your furniture to aid in mobility. You may also want to prepare meals ahead of time and put them in the freezer.
You’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure, but you’ll need help at home, too. You may be unable to perform your normal duties for as much as two weeks. So make preparations for childcare, meal help, and other daily activities. And make sure you have someone on call for any unexpected errands that may arise while you recover.
If you’re addicted to your phone, tablet, or television, you’ll need alternate ways to stay amused as you rest during recovery. Easing the load on your eyes will protect against dry eye, which can temporarily follow eyelid surgery. Consider audio books, music, or the radio. Less eye strain can mean a faster, more comfortable recovery.
To get an eyelid surgery or to learn more about it, book an appointment online or over the phone with Brooks Plastic Surgery today.
