Eyelid Lift Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida

The following information is for your benefit. Here you will find answers to many of the questions that patients ask about plastic surgery of the eyelids.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE EYELID SURGERY?

The purpose of aesthetic eyelid surgery is to enhance the appearance of your eyes. Each patient is unique and the exact method of treatment depends on the needs of the individual. Surgery may include removal of “bags”, smoothing of wrinkles, elimination of excess skin, or creation of a more aesthetic upper eyelid fold.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY OUTCOME TO BE AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

The final appearance of the patient’s eyes following eyelid surgery will be dependent upon the surgeon’s sense of aesthetics, his understanding of eyelid anatomy, and his technical skills. The patient’s appearance after surgery can also be influenced; however, by such things as the general physical condition of the patient’s eyelids, the effect of sun damage, the thickness and elasticity of the skin, the degree of wrinkling, the amount and distribution of eyelid fat, the underlying bone structure, allergies, heredity, and other factors. During the initial consultation, these general factors and how they apply to the patient should be discussed.

HOW DOES THE DOCTOR DO THE EYELID SURGERY?

The eyelid lift operation is performed by removing excess skin and fat. Portions of the underlying muscles are also removed or tightened to reduce wrinkling. Some patients have hereditary or acquired darkening of the skin of the lower eyelids in addition to bags and wrinkles. The eyelid operation may not improve this darkening, but performing a peel of the lower lids some months after surgery can help most patients.

HOW LONG DOES THE EYELID LIFT OPERATION TAKE?

If both upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time the surgery takes about two hours. The time will be less if the surgery is performed on only the lower or upper eyelids.

WHAT KIND OF ANESTHESIA WILL I HAVE DURING EYELID SURGERY?

Patients may have eyelid surgery under local anesthesia with light sedation. General anesthesia is usually not indicated for eyelid surgery alone but may be used for combination procedures. An expert anesthesiologist should coordinate your anesthesia during surgery whether general or local with sedation and is normally billed separately.

DOES EYELID SURGERY REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION?

Eyelid lift surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. Rarely is hospitalization necessary. If you live more than an hour away from where you will be having surgery, you must remain overnight in the area. A nearby hotel can be recommended.

CAN I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF AFTER EYELID LIFT SURGERY?

You will need to have someone with you when you leave the hospital or office after the operation, remain with you overnight, and accompany you when you report to the office the morning after surgery for a postoperative check. If a relative of friend is not available to you, we can recommend a nurse.

WHAT ABOUT STITCHES AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

Eyelid stitches are removed 5-7 days after surgery. Some of the stitches are dissolvable.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

After eyelid plastic surgery, ice compresses are applied to the eyelids. The eyes are not bandaged. Medication used during surgery may cause blurred vision for one to two hours, but this clears rapidly. Ice compresses should be continued for 48 hours after surgery. Topical antibiotic ointment is sometimes used to lubricate and protect the eyes. This is a special prescription for eye use only. Following the operation, there will be slight discomfort, which can be relieved by medication. You should remain quiet. Visitors and telephone calls should be kept to a minimum.

WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK FOLLOWING EYELID PLASTIC SURGERY?

Some swelling and discoloration are expected following surgery but usually subsides in 5-10 days. Most people return to work in less than one week. Jogging, aerobics, bicycling, and other non-contact and non-ball sports are permitted two weeks after surgery. Body contact or ball sports (tennis, racquetball, etc.) are permitted after four weeks. Before resuming any activities, check with your doctor.

WHEN CAN I WEAR MY MAKE-UP AGAIN AFTER EYELID SURGERY?

A light cover-up may be applied to the lower lids starting four days after surgery. Other facial and eyelid makeup including mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, and artificial eyelashes should not be resumed for at least two weeks, but you must check with your doctor before using any eye makeup. It is important to remove all makeup thoroughly at the end of the day using an upward motion. Members of our staff are familiar with the special makeup needs of patients following surgery and can help you in this regard. Bruising around the eyes can be disguised with lightly tinted glasses.

WILL EYELID SURGERY LEAVE SCARS?

Any form of surgery, including plastic surgery, will leave scars. In aesthetic eyelid surgery, the scars are placed within natural eyelid folds and facial lines so that they are inconspicuous. While the scars are permanent, they are rarely detectable.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF THE EYELID SURGERY LAST?

The results of plastic surgery are permanent and last for as long as the patient lives. However, surgery does not stop the aging process. Although excess skin and “bags” are removed the skin continues to age, and with time the patient may feel the need to have a secondary procedure. Most patients have only one operation and remain pleased with their appearance.