Eyelid Surgery Preparation

Eyelid surgery has several things that you can do to prepare yourself for the procedure as well as the recovery time. There are different options available for pain relief, recovery and even the type of operation that you choose to have done.

Meet with at Cosmetic Surgeon

First, choose a cosmetic surgeon that you feel comfortable with. You may have seen work that was done on a friend or family member and want to meet with the same doctor. No matter who you choose, you will need to have an initial consultation before proceeding with eyelid surgery.

Be sure to tell the physician the specifics about what bothers you about the eye are and what you would like to see changed. He or she should be able to give you some options and explain in more detail what the procedure entails. You can work together to come up with the specific area to focus on and the specifics of what is going to be done.

Make an Appointment

If you are sure that you want to go ahead and have the eyelid surgery, you may want to set that appointment before you leave the offices. Typically, the earlier that you schedule, the earlier you will be able to have have the cosmetic procedure. Try to schedule for a date that will give you a few days to take off from work and spend time at home recovering. Also, it will be necessary to make sure that a friend or family member be able to take you to the procedure, pick you up from the procedure, and possible provide care for a little while.

Recovery

Part of your recovery will depend on whether you choose general or local anesthesia or sedation. This is something that should be discussed with your physician prior to the operation. Also, not every eyelid surgery is the same. Sometimes, excess skin, as well as excess fat, needs to be removed. Other times, less needs to be done and the procedure is completed more quickly.

Plan to be away from work as well as other responsibilities. for a few days. Usually, pain can be kept under control with medications that are prescribed with by the surgeon. Bruising and swelling are typical and you may have some problems because of restricted vision. Also, sensitivity to light is normal. Over time, as the wounds heal, you can return to regular use of contacts and eye makeup.

Follow Up Appointment

Because sutures are used, a follow up appointment will be necessary. Between four to six days after the operation, you will need to make a return visit. At that time, the cosmetic surgeon can check to make sure that your body is healing correctly and that there are no complications. However, if at any point before this scheduled visit, you experience any problems that lead you to be concerned, call your doctor and check in to see if your symptoms are normal. Because of the sensitivity of the eye area, it is always better to make the call if you are worried.