The overwhelming majority of eyelid surgery patients in my New York practice are exceedingly thoughtful about whether to undergo surgery in the first place. If you have made the decision to have eyelid surgery, whether traditional or endoscopic, the way you care for yourself both before and after the procedure will play a major role in the quality and length of your recuperation. While I will use my precision and expertise to deliver the best results possible, it’s up to each patient to follow our recommendations at home to maximize their experience and shorten the healing time.
Before Surgery
One very important way to enhance your body’s healing abilities before your blepharoplasty—or any surgery—is to stop smoking. Tobacco products affect the body in systemic ways. Most notably, tobacco reduces the capacity of blood vessels, which makes it harder for them to deliver oxygen-rich blood that’s needed for tissues to heal properly. If you use tobacco products, it’s best to stop as early as possible—the more time between your last cigarette and your surgery, the better.
It’s also important to avoid alcohol before your surgery, particularly the night before your procedure. Alcohol thins the blood and can lead to more bleeding in the operating room, which can result in more noticeable bruising after surgery
One has to remember that having surgery could be a stressful experience. The best way to minimize mental stress is to become familiar with the key details of the surgery, fully understand post-operative care instructions, and have all the necessary supplies prepared ahead of your surgery date. Stocking your refrigerator with food and picking up your prescriptions ahead of time will also make things easier for you during your recuperation process. Any type of medical procedure can make people nervous, which is normal. However, being fully prepared can help mitigate those feelings and will make you recovery go much smoother.
After Surgery
Although eyelid surgery in my New York practice doesn’t typically result in any significant mobility limitations, I still advise my patients to take a few days of rest after their procedure. Using cold compresses and keeping your head elevated helps to minimize swelling and bruising around the eyes. Most of my patients spend the first couple of days after surgery in a recliner chair and use additional pillows when sleeping to keep the head elevated.
Although blepharoplasty is a relatively minor procedure, it is still surgery, and the body will go through a healing process after the procedure. Listen to the signals your body is giving you, and don’t overexert yourself. If friends and family members offer to lend a hand, accept their offers. Having a bit of extra assistance with light housework, food shopping, or pet care can be very helpful in the immediate days following your surgery.
I strongly advise anyone who considers a cosmetic surgical procedure to follow the doctor’s instructions to the letter. We provide all our patient with detailed instruction prior to their blepharoplasty, and we encourage them to ask as many questions as necessary to fully understand what to do both before and after surgery. These instructions may be customized according to the patient’s individual needs, so it’s very important to follow them to the best of your ability.
Still interested in what eyelid surgery can do for you? I look forward to working with you and helping you discover the best in your face. Please contact my office to schedule your consultation.
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