How Do You Prepare for a Blepharoplasty

Droopy eyelids and sagging skin around the eyes can make us look tired, depressed, and show our age. It can impair vision or just be a cosmetic issue. Either way, you’ve decided to do something about it. 

To help, We offer this handy guide on how to prepare for a blepharoplasty.

First Step: The Consultation

The consultation is an essential step in any cosmetic surgery. This is where you meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss what it is you’re hoping to achieve. You define your concerns, your goals and the most effective and safe way to meet them.

Part of the consultation involves an evaluation. The doctor goes over your current health, medication, past medical issues and surgeries. 

As well, they’ll try to assess the cause of the drooping eyelids (is it simply excess skin, or a symptom of something more serious?). It is possible that the plastic surgeon will advise further tests or medical evaluations before setting a date for surgery.

Once the plastic surgeon understands your goals, your health, and the cause of drooping eyelids, they can layout your path. The doctor provides details on your treatment options, their risks, and your recovery.

If blepharoplasty is right for you, and no further tests are needed, they can schedule the procedure at the end of the consultation.

Choose Your Clinic & Surgeon

While it’s worth researching plastic surgeons and clinics before scheduling a consultation, you have no obligation to proceed with the first surgeon you meet. 

If you don’t feel comfortable with the surgeon you consult with or would prefer a second opinion it’s okay to consult someone else. 

In fact, if you’ve never worked with a facial plastic surgeon before, getting multiple opinions and talking with multiple doctors will give you a clear scope of what you want, what you need from your doctor; and most importantly: who you trust the most.

When you’re choosing a plastic surgery clinic and surgeon, discover what certifications your plastic surgeon has, and feel free to ask about their experience with the procedure. Many surgeons will have before and after pictures of the blepharoplasties performed while in practice. These are a great way to see if their work is a match for you.

The Days Leading Up to the Blepharoplasty

As you approach the date of the actual blepharoplasty procedure, it’s time to make sure you have everything in order. As well as starting to prepare your body for surgery and recovery.

Make sure you have completed any required medical tests and evaluations prior to the procedure, and get any necessary paperwork in order. Figure out how you’re getting to and from your appointment. Do you need a ride, will you drive yourself, do you need to book any time off of work?

Around this time you’ll also want to make sure you’re making healthy choices. These are beneficial for both the success of the surgery, as well as improving your recovery. If you can, try to stop smoking in the days leading up to the surgery, make healthy dieting choices, and get enough sleep.

During this time you will also want to avoid alcohol or taking Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs. These present a risk of excess bleeding during surgery. Follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully here, some will recommend not taking Aspirin for a full week before a procedure.

24 Hours Before Surgery

It’s an exciting time, just a day away from your facial cosmetic surgery! At this point, there is not much left for you to do but rest and make plans for recovery. 

The majority of bruising and swelling goes down within one week. You may want to get a cold compress to help reduce these side effects and speed up recovery. Although light activity, such as walking, is possible, most people will wait 7-10 days before returning to normal activity. 

Day of the Procedure

The day is finally here. Make sure you follow any guidelines you’ve been given about food or drink and you’re ready for your blepharoplasty.

A few key tips that can help you on this day are:

• Dress Comfortably: If there’s any waiting around before or after your blepharoplasty, it’s best to be comfortable. 
• No Makeup: The surgeon works best on a blank canvas.
• Show Up Early: Just in case there is any remaining paperwork to fill in, or any other complications (don’t miss your blepharoplasty because of sudden traffic!).

Ready for Your Blepharoplasty?

At Rival Cosmetic Surgery, we are here to help you feel confident, comfortable, and safe in your skin. We will meet with you to determine the best treatment options to meet your goals safely, and effectively.

Book a blepharoplasty consultation today!