Your surgeon will always have your back, so to speak, before, during and after a cosmetic facial procedure. If that procedure involves eyelid surgery, your doctor will want to share with you the best possible advice on how to prepare for the operation to ensure safe and optimal results and minimal complications.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and/or fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids for a more youthful appearance. With upper blepharoplasty, incisions are placed in the crease of the upper eyelids to improve excess or sagging skin. With lower blepharoplasty, incisions are made inside of the lower eyelid or below the lash line and excess skin or “bags” are removed.

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is recommended to smooth wrinkles, improve sagging skin and get rid of under-eye bags or puffiness associated with normal aging. Sometimes, in extreme cases of sagging upper eyelids, eyelid surgery is performed to improve vision.  Any surgery performed near or around the eyes is a delicate procedure requiring great skill and experience on the part of the surgeon. Planning for the surgery is especially important. Here are some important pre-surgery considerations:

  • Your surgeon may require a full medical run-up and blood work to determine your overall health and whether or not you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
  • Your medications may be tweaked or you may have to take medicine to reduce the risk of complications. You will be instructed to stop smoking, avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs and certain foods like garlic and herbal supplements, all of which cause blood thinning and increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Your doctor will likely want to assess the ability of your eyelids to produce tears so as to avoid dry eye syndrome and certain complications.
  • Many surgeons take measurements as well as photographs of the eyelids to help plan the surgery and the location of the incisions.
  • You doctor will also want to discuss your reasons and expectations for having eyelid surgery before authorizing surgery.
  • Surgical details will be discussed, including the choice of using either a local anesthesia or numbing agent to lessen pain and discomfort as well as where to have the surgery performed. Your surgeon may recommend an outpatient setting, the surgeon’s office, or the hospital. 

With proper planning and preparation, you can expect a more youthful, vital, and energetic appearance following surgery, making eyelid surgery a worthwhile investment in yourself.

Dr. Kyle S. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist with offices located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Contact The Choe Center for Facial Plastic Surgery at 757.389.5850 for a personal consultation.