Eyelid Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

While some plastic surgeries make subtle changes, an eyelid surgery can completely transform someone's appearance. Looking awake and vibrant is a huge change compared to looking unhappy and constantly tired. If you've been considering this procedure, here are a few frequently asked questions to get your research started.

What is involved with the procedure?
During an eyelid surgery, your plastic surgeon will remove the excess skin, fat, and sometimes even muscle. This tightens the area and reduces some of the wrinkles. Some patients choose to remain awake during the procedure. They are given an oral sedative and the local anesthesia is administered. Others choose to go completely under with general anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on several different factors including how much needs to be removed, whether other treatments are being included and whether one or both eyes are being worked with.

Am I a candidate?
Your plastic surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate for eyelid surgery. Your health history will be taken into consideration, along with an evaluation of your eyes and the area surrounding them. Doctors want to be sure that you are healthy enough to continue with the procedure. They also want to ensure that you will truly benefit from this type of assistance.

If skin falls into your eyes, causing impairment to vision, this procedure could be considered a medical necessity. In this case, talk to your insurance company and your primary care physician to learn more about your options. (It is always a good idea to meet with your primary car doctor and your ophthalmologist before continuing with the operation.

How long will it take to recover?
Recovery time depends on the type of treatment you received, the previous condition of the area around your eyes, and your ability to care for the area. Your surgeon will send you home with instructions to follow for several days. These directions are an important part of the recovery process. They let you know when you can remove the bandages, when you can get the incision area wet, and when you can continue with normal activities (including driving).

Swelling and bruising could last for a week or two. Some surgeons use dissolvable stitches while others require their patients to come back in for the removal. At your follow up visit, your doctor will let you know how your recovery is going and once again, he will provide you with information on caring for your body during this time. Eyelid surgery recipients notice some changes right away however, over the next several weeks and months, they continue to see improvements.