Blepharoplasty

PATIENT EDUCATION

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Blepharoplasty

Elsevier Interactive Patient Education ©2017 Elsevier Inc.
Last revised: May 22, 2017.

Blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid surgery to remove loose and droopy skin from around the eyes. Puffy bags above and below the eyes can also be removed with this procedure. Puffiness may be caused by fat deposits or loose muscles around your eyes. Your skin becomes less stretchy (elastic) as you age.

You may have blepharoplasty on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. You may have this surgery to improve your appearance. This procedure may also be done if sagging upper eyelids interfere with your vision.

LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Previous surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you may have.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Swelling and bruising.
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Dryness
  • Trouble closing your eyes.
  • Eyelids that roll outward.
  • Scarring
  • The need for more surgery.
  • Changes in your vision.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood.Do nottake these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
  • Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
  • Do notdrink alcohol.
  • Do notuse any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
  • If you go home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

PROCEDURE

  • An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
  • Your surgeon may mark your eyelids to indicate where the incisions should be made.
  • You will be given one or more of the following:
  • A medicine that helps you relax (sedative).
  • A medicine that numbs the area (local anesthetic).
  • A medicine that makes you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
  • Your surgeon will make incisions in the natural creases in the skin that is above or below your eyes.
  • If you are having upper and lower blepharoplasty, incisions will be made above and below.
  • If you are having lower lid blepharoplasty that does not require skin removal, an incision may be made just inside your lower eyelids (transconjunctival incision).
  • Any fat deposits or excess skin will be removed. Loose muscle tissue may be trimmed or tightened.
  • Your surgeon will close the incisions with very fine stitches (sutures), a type of surgical glue, or tiny adhesive strips. Transconjunctival incisions are closed with sutures that dissolve as your body heals (absorbable sutures).
  • Eye drops may be placed in your eye, and ointment may be put over your incisions.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

  • Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
  • You may have to use eye drops or ointment after your procedure.

ATIENT EDUCATION

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Blepharoplasty, Care After

Elsevier Interactive Patient Education ©2017 Elsevier Inc.
Last revised: May 22, 2017.

Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE

After your procedure, it is common to have:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Soreness
  • Sticky, dry, and itchy eyes.

HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Medicines

  • Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
  • Use eye drops or ointment as directed by your health care provider.

Incision Care

  • Do notsoak or wash your face until your health care provider says that you can. Follow instructions from your health care provider about bathing.
  • There are many different ways to close and cover an incision, including stitches (sutures), skin glue, and adhesive strips. Follow instructions from your health care provider about:
  • Incision care.
  • Incision closure removal.
  • If directed, apply ice to the eye area to help reduce swelling and soreness:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.

Activities

  • Use a few pillows to keep your head raised while you are sleeping or resting.
  • Do notbend over. Bending over causes your head to be lower than your heart.
  • Do notdo any activities that require a lot of effort or energy (strenuous activities) until your health care provider approves.
  • Do notlift anything that is heavier than 10 lb (4.5 kg).

General Instructions

  • Do notuse any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • To protect your eyes from the sun, wear dark sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Do this until healing is complete. This helps to keep the suture areas from becoming discolored.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:

  • You have a fever.
  • You have dryness, pain, swelling, or bruising that is not getting better.
  • You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your incision.
  • You cannot close your eyes completely.
  • Your eyeball is bulging, or your eyeball position is different from normal.
  • You have double vision or blurry vision that is not getting better.
  • You have any change in your vision.