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By Mayo Clinic staffBefore scheduling blepharoplasty, you need to discuss with a plastic surgeon whether the procedure is likely to work well for you. This meeting generally includes:
- Your medical history. Your surgeon asks questions about conditions you have or have had. Detailed questions may address dry eyes, glaucoma, eye-related allergies and other eye problems. Tell the doctor if you have circulatory problems, thyroid problems, diabetes or other serious medical conditions. Your doctor will also ask about your current medications, including over-the-counter medications. Make sure to tell your doctor about any herbal supplements you take, as some of them may cause bleeding problems.
- A physical examination. Your surgeon conducts a physical examination, which may include testing your tear production. Special tools may be used to measure parts of your eyelids.
- Photographs. Your eyes will be photographed from different angles. These photos help with planning the surgery and assessing its immediate and long-term effects.
- A discussion of your expectations. An honest discussion will help set the stage for a satisfactory outcome. Be prepared to talk about your motivation for seeking blepharoplasty and what you hope the results will be. Your surgeon can tell you whether your expectations are in line with usual results.
Before blepharoplasty, you'll be asked to:
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve), and any other medication or herbal supplement associated with increased bleeding. It's best not to use these medications and supplements for two weeks before and after surgery. Take only medications approved or prescribed by your surgeon.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can impair your ability to heal after surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery if you're having outpatient surgery. Plan to have someone stay with you for the first night after returning home from surgery.
References
- Surgery of the eyelids. The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/blepharoplasty.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- What is cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery.html. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Eyelid surgery risks and safety information. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery.html?sub=Eyelid%20surgery%20risks%20and%20safety%20information. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Losee JE, et al. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5023372&searchStr=blepharoplasty#5023372. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- What to expect during your eyelid surgery consultation. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery.html?sub=What%20to%20expect%20during%20your%20eyelid%20surgery%20consultation. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/head/eyelid-surgery. Accessed May 16, 2011.
- Vasconez HC, et al. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. In: Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5315770&searchStr=blepharoplasty. Accessed May 16, 2011.
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