Sagging eyelids can make a person look older and tired and can even affect peripheral vision. Blepharoplasty is a surgical intervention for droopy eyelids, eyelid wrinkles, and puffiness. It addresses weakening eyelid muscles, loose excess skin, and excess fat.

How Do I Prepare for a Blepharoplasty?

You will be required to cease taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and ibuprofen for a full two weeks prior to the procedure, since these medications can cause bleeding complications during the surgery. Makeup should not be worn on the day of your surgery.

If you have dry eye syndrome, inform Dr. Park so that he can remove less tissue from the area to avoid worsening your condition. Talk to Dr. Park about any concerns you might have during your blepharoplasty consultation.

What Happens During a Blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty, also popularly known as an eye lift, is an outpatient procedure performed at a clinic or doctor’s office.

First, you’ll be given either local or general anesthesia. You can choose to remain awake but drowsy during the procedure, which will entail a numbing serum administered to the target area. If you choose to be asleep for the procedure instead, you can select general anesthesia. This will be discussed during your consultation.

Incisions will be made along the natural crease and fold of the upper eyelid in a manner that camouflages any post-surgical marks. Incisions for the lower eyelids can be made either at the lash line or inside the lid.

Dr. Park will mark the excess fat pads to be removed or repositioned, along with any muscle and skin tissue to be removed. A precise surgical instrument such as a laser or pair of surgical scissors is then used to remove the unwanted tissues. Finally, dissolvable stitches are used to close the incisions.

The entire surgery takes no more than two hours, depending on the complexity of your condition. Lower-eyelid surgery is permanent and never needs to be repeated. The results of upper-eyelid surgery can last for around five to seven years or longer.

What Sort of Aftercare Is Necessary After a Blepharoplasty?

Dr. Park will recommend that you arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, since you will not be able to drive yourself home. He will prescribe non-prescription pain medication for relief during your recovery period. Any minor swelling and bruising you have will be only temporary.

After treatment, topical antibiotics need to be applied to the treatment sites. Ice packs can be applied for short durations on days 1 and 2, followed by warm compresses afterward to accelerate healing.

It will be important to protect the treatment areas during recovery, since the tissues will be temporarily weakened. This means wearing proper sunscreen to avoid sunburns in the delicate skin and wearing sunglasses to protect from wind and pollutants.

Get Started with Blepharoplasty Today

Blepharoplasty is among the most popular cosmetic treatments worldwide. If you suffer from droopy eyelids, set up a consultation with experienced double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Park by contacting our office today.