Eyelid Lift Rochester NY: Blepharoplasty Rochester New York

Eyelid Surgery Before & After Photos
Eyelid Surgery Procedure Information

EYELID LIFT SURGERY

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PREOPERATIVE EYELID LIFT INSTRUCTIONS

POSTOPERATIVE EYELID LIFT INSTRUCTIONS

BLEPHAROPLASTY

1) How do I know if I need an upper eyelid lift or a browlift?
It depends on the position of the brow. During the initial consultation to evaluate the upper eyelids, the plastic surgeon uses his hands to raise the patient's forehead skin to an appropriate level. When the forehead skin is raised, if most of the upper eyelid skin disappears, a patient would most likely benefit from a forehead lift. If raising the forehead skin has little or no effect on the upper eyelid skin, an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty - bleff-ar-oh-plasty, the technical term for eye lid lift) may be all that is in order. If improvement is noted when the sagging brow is lifted and excess skin remains on the eyelids, a combination of browlift and upper eyelid blepharoplasty may be recommended to achieve a more youthful appearance.

2) Will I still look like "me" after eyelid lift surgery? Many of our patients report that, upon return to work and routine daily activities, friends and acquaintances make the following remarks: "Gee you look great. Did you change your hairstyle?" or "Have you been on vacation?" Retaining your uniqueness is the sign of a successful plastic surgery procedure. Although the change may be significant to you, it's not uncommon that friends and family don't really notice the specific changes.

3) Yes, but I want to dramatically change the appearance of my eyes. Can I do that? This is an excellent question because it leads to evaluating realistic expectations. This question can only be answered on an individual basis. A sign of a good board certified facial plastic surgeon is one who can tell the difference between realistic and unrealistic expectations and one who will provide a truthful picture about meeting each patient's desires. Our biggest referral source is from satisfied patients - ones who have had realistic expectations and were satisfied with results.

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photo a

4) Will I have any incisions in my skin during eyelid lift surgery?

For traditional lower eyelid blepharoplasty, it is common that an incision is made in the lower eyelid skin (photo a) with removal of excess skin and fat to achieve a refreshed look. Eyelid skin is one of the most "forgiving" areas of the body and these incisions typically heal extremely well.

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photo b

An advanced technique that has been performed successfully for the past five years is the transconjunctival blepharoplasty (photo b). (Wow! That's a big word! The conjunctiva (con junk ti vah) is the pink inner lining of the lower eyelid.) With this approach, the eyelif lift incision is made just inside the lower eyelid and no external skin incision is required. Through the incision the offending fat (which is responsible for the "bags" or "circles" under the eyes) can be removed.

Occasionally blepharoplasty is coupled with some kind of skin resurfacing such as laser or peel to remove any fine textural face lines in the skin. Probably the most frequently requested procedure combines blepharoplasty with a face lift to remove the turkey wattle (that thing that hangs down on the neck of a turkey). Ask your facial plastic surgeon if you are a candidate for a transconjunctival approach for your eyelid lift surgery.

5) What if I have a history of bad scars?
If you have pierced ears, the way you healed there is a good indication of how you will heal from your eyelid lift surgery. Scars on the rest of the body typically are not an indication for how patients heal following facial plastic surgery.

At the time of your consultation, it's important to show your plastic surgeon any previous scars (called keloid scars) that are of concern so he can give you a realistic assessment of your healing potential following facial plastic surgery.

6) Will a blepharoplasty take away the crows feet and all the fine wrinkles?

Some patients find that, along with baggy eyelid skin, an additional source of concern is textural or surface changes (fine little lines) in the skin around the eyes. Patients who elect to combine blepharoplasty with a skin resurfacing procedure also remove textural imperfections and crows feet. Skin resurfacing, performed to address textural changes on the skin surface, includes laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

7) I had eyelid surgery done and I'm not happy with the results. Can you "fix" it?

While we're on the subject of alternatives to traditional blepharoplasty, we would like to include a word about revision eyelid lift. It is not uncommon for patients to be referred to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for revision eyelid surgery. The procedure instructions for blepharoplasty apply to primary as well as revision blepharoplasty. However, revision blepharoplasty patients have their own set of reconstructive challenges.

In revision blepharoplasty, a facial plastic surgeon is working on an area that has previously undergone changes. If we are asked to correct previous surgery by another plastic surgeon, revision blepharoplasty can be a bit more complex and, therefore, may take longer than the initial eyelid lift surgery. Also, swelling can be more pronounced with revision blepharoplasty surgery as well as a slightly longer healing time. Patients are asked to observe the same instructions that apply to all patients having blepharoplasty at the Lindsay House. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about previous plastic surgery.

8) Will I be awake during eyelid lift surgery?
Using IV sedation (medicine administered through an IV) and a local anesthetic (numbing medication administered in the operating room), patients are asleep during their plastic surgery. Patients do not hear or feel anything and are comfortable during eyelid lift surgery. Patients wake up very soon after the operation is completed. Intravenous sedation is a type of anesthesia; therefore all patients must have a responsible adult to stay with them through the night following eyelid lift surgery. Patients may not drive for 24 hours after their facial plastic surgery procedure and this time may be longer, depending on the cosmetic procedure.

9) Is eyelid lift surgery painful?
After any surgical cosmetic procedure, some discomfort can be expected. All patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication. Patients sometimes use the prescription medication two to three days after eyelid lift surgery and then switch to Extra Strength Tylenol. It is uncommon for patients to report unmanageable pain after eyelid lift surgery.

10) How long does my eyelid lift surgery take?
The length of eyelid lift surgery depends on several factors including the complexity of each person's eyelids. Many patients who have previously had a blepharoplasty are referred to the Lindsay House for revision eyelid lift surgery. Revision blepharoplasty can take a little longer because of corrections that need to be made as a result of the initial eyelid surgery.

11) Can I drive myself home after eyelid lift surgery?
NO. Because of the effects of anesthesia, patients are not able to drive themselves home after the eyelid lift surgery. If transportation is an issue, you may want to consider overnight accommodations at the Carriage House located right next door to the Lindsay House Surgery Center.

12) Do I go home after eyelid lift surgery?
Most eyelid lifts are done on an outpatient basis. Because you will go home after receiving sedation, you will need to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home, to stay with you overnight and to drive you to our office for your first postoperative appointment. Patients having eyelid lift surgery must stay in the immediate Rochester area overnight within 30 minutes of our East Avenue facility.

13) I'm from out of town. Where can I stay overnight in Rochester New York?
Accommodations are comfortable and convenient for Lindsay House clients. The Strathallen, located "just down the street" provides upscale, affordable accommodations for Lindsay House visitors. For added convenience following eyelid lift surgery, some patients elect to stay in our Carriage House, located adjacent to the Lindsay House. For guests without the benefit of family or friends in the Rochester NY area, our staff will be happy to assist you with arrangements for a smooth, restful experience following your cosmetic procedures.

14) How long should I stay in Rochester NY following eyelid lift surgery?
Most patients stay in Rochester about seven to ten days following eyelid lift surgery. After that it's ok to fly or travel long distances.

15) When can I go back to work after eyelid lift surgery?
Most patients take two weeks off work but occasionally a patient returns one week after eyelid lift surgery. After two weeks, any residual bruising and swelling can easily be camouflaged with make-up. Patients who are more concerned with privacy prefer two weeks off work after their eyelid surgery.

16) When can I "work out?"
Aerobic activities should be avoided for two weeks following eyelid lift surgery and heavy weight lifting or more strenuous workouts should be avoided for three weeks postoperatively. It's important to avoid bending, lifting or straining during the postoperative period as these activities can increase swelling and delay healing.

17) How long will bruising and swelling last after my eyelid lift surgery?
Postoperative bruising and swelling begins to resolve at the end of the first week. Full resolution of bruising or swelling may take two to three weeks after eyelid lift surgery. However, you may camouflage bruises fairly easily at seven to ten days with concealer stick.

18) I'm not ready for cosmetic surgery. Is there anything I can do to improve my eyes?
Skin resurfacing including Botox, Restylane and light skin peels may be the treatment of choice for patients who for many reasons may not be ready to undergo plastic surgery. Learn more about the many alternatives in our Q- the Medical Spa at Lindsay House

19) I really want to have the eyelid lift surgery but I'm nervous. What if I get stressed?
It's ok to be nervous. (Frankly, we would be nervous if you were taking this step lightly!) Just contact us if you have any concerns. One of the best ways to deal with nervousness is to see what other patients have gone through. Remember, educated patients know when and if the time for eyelid lift surgery is right.

BLEPHAROPLASTY PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1) What do I do to prepare for eyelid lift surgery?
Although the preparation for eyelid lift surgery is pretty simple, it is an essential element in a successful outcome. To prepare for eyelid lift surgery, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled with one of our experienced nurses.

2) What happens at the preoperative eyelid lift appointment?
Many things! To name a few, you will meet with our nurses to review your health history, answer your questions, instruct you on how to prepare for surgery, receive the prescriptions for use after surgery and tell you what to expect. Most of the instructions are listed here. This list of questions, however, will not take the place of a preoperative visit, which is essential in determining a patient's understanding and readiness for surgery. We will be sure you are signing for informed consent.

3) What does informed consent mean?
Informed consent means you have an excellent understanding about the benefits of surgery as well as any risks, and all the preoperative and postoperative information. You are making an "informed" decision as to whether surgery is right for you.

4) What are the risks of the procedure?
As part of your initial consultation, your physician will review your expectations for surgery. At that time, he can provide a realistic picture of what surgery can and cannot accomplish. Depending on which procedures you are interested in, we will provide you with a list of any risks reported in the medical literature associated with any procedures you are considering. Although risks from cosmetic surgery are uncommon, every patient should be fully informed of every risk associated with surgery.

5) What are some of the other things to do to prepare for surgery?
We review your health history and any daily medications you may be taking. Because tobacco abuse impedes wound healing, you will be asked to stop for two weeks before and two weeks following surgery. Our nurses will be happy to discuss over-the-counter aids to help you with this.

6) What about my daily medications before surgery?
You will have a preoperative appointment well in advance of your surgery when our experienced staff will review all mediations with you. If you are on "blood thinners," you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. We will provide a "Medication List" that reviews all medications and supplements to avoid prior to surgery.

7) I take vitamins and supplements. Do I need to stop them before surgery?
Most vitamins and supplements have few side effects. However, there are some such as vitamin E and ginko-bilova that can affect bleeding during surgery. We will provide a "Medication List" for medications and supplements to avoid prior to surgery.

8) Do I need any special prescriptions before surgery?
Most patients do not need any special prescriptions before surgery. Please let us know of any special medical concerns you may have. We do ask you to start Arnica, a natural herbal substance, which minimizes bruising the day before blepharoplasty. We also ask you to start Vitamin C before surgery. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

9) Why will I be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the procedure?
Anesthesia medications can cause stomach upset. The best way to prevent after effects from anesthesia will be to avoid food or drink from midnight the night before surgery. For patients with special concerns, such as a patient with diabetes, our anesthesia team will be happy to address special arrangements with you ahead of time.

10) I'm concerned about privacy.
During a recent independent study, privacy was found to be one of the advantages that attracted people most to Lindsay House. Because all consultations, office visits, surgical and nonsurgical experiences take place at the same address, the check-in process is confidential.

11) What happens when I check in for surgery?
Our nurses will help you get ready for surgery. Please let them know of any special needs you may have. Also, be assured that you have plenty of time for any last minute questions with your surgeon.

12) Does someone have to stay at the Lindsay House while I have my surgery?
No one needs to stay at the Lindsay House during your surgery. However, you must have someone available by telephone at all times during your surgery.

13) What other instructions are there?
Glad you asked! See the postoperative instructions below.

BLEPHAROPLASTY POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

1) What do I look like when I wake up from surgery?
Following the procedure, you will have soaked iced saline eye pads on your eyes with antibiotic ointment in your eyes. Your eyelids will be swollen. You may have some bruising under your eyes, however, this typically is more pronounced 24-48 hours after the procedure.

2) What does it feel like when I wake up from surgery?
Your eyes will be swollen and it will be difficult to see. We will make sure you are not nauseated or queasy. Our nurses will be right there with you as you wake up from surgery to give you special attention.

3) When I'm awake enough, can I drive myself home?
No. Someone will need to drive you home after your surgery and stay with you that evening. Someone will need to drive you back to the Lindsay House the following morning for packing removal.

4) Does someone have to stay overnight with me after surgery?
Yes. You must arrange ahead of time for a responsible adult to stay with you the first night following surgery.

5) Are there any dietary restrictions following surgery?
No. Patients can eat whatever they want. Advance your diet from liquids to soft food to solids as tolerated. Please drink as much fluid as you can which will help you from becoming dehydrated.

6) Will I need any special prescriptions following surgery?
Yes. Postoperative prescriptions are provided well in advance of surgery day so you arrive home completely prepared. Postoperative prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for blepharoplasty patients include the following:

A) An antibiotic (usually Amoxicillin) to take after surgery to prevent infection.
B) Swelling medication (Medrol Dosepak/methyl prednisolone) to take after surgery to minimize swelling.
C) Pain medication (usually Vicodin/hydrocodone) to minimize any discomfort following surgery.
D) Ointment (Polysporin/bacitracin ophthalmic) to place on the sutures and gently in the corners of the eyes.
F) Over the counter Arnica to minimize bruising.
G) Vitamin C for one week following surgery to promote healing. It is important to continue to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, Vitamin E, etc. for one week following surgery to prevent bleeding in the postoperative period.

7) When do I start taking these prescriptions?
Patients take their pain medication as needed. You will begin the antibiotic and swelling medications when you arrive home from surgery.

8) How long will bruising and swelling last?
For most patients, bruising and swelling lasts about a week. If you bruise easily, it could last up to two weeks, however, this is uncommon.

9) Can I do anything to prevent bruising?
Most patents will have a little bruising. We can minimize bruising by using Arnica before and after the procedure. The iced saline eye pads after surgery also help prevent swelling and bruising.

10) When can I shower?
You may take a tub bath and wash your hair in the sink any time following the procedure. Hot steamy showers should be avoided because they could prolong swelling. Routine showers at one week are fine.

11) When is my first postoperative appointment?
You will be asked to come to the Lindsay House three days following surgery for suture removal. Suture removal has been described by most patients as discomfort rather than pain. Due to the nature of the fine sutures, this appointment frequently takes an hour.

12) Are there any instructions about regular daily activities?
Sleep with head of the bed elevated or use two to three pillows. Facial fullness and disrupted sleep are very normal postoperative symptoms and will decrease as the healing process occurs. Absolutely no bending, lifting or straining. If you have little children, bend at the knees or sit on the floor and let them climb on to your lap.

13) When will I look "normal?"
Most of our patients tell us that they look "normal" at about two to three weeks. You will look better at six weeks and even better still at six months. Final results are evaluated at one year. However, at two weeks you know you are well on the way to recovery. After three months, most patients have about 90% of their final result.

14) How can I learn more about blepharoplasty?
Several ways. First, Contact Us or call 1-585-244-1000 for any specific questions. If our Patient Care Coordinator can't answer them, she will gladly forward them to the appropriate physician or staff member. Also, you can learn more about Selecting a Surgeon and what happens at Your Consultation appointment, or more about the training, experience and board certifications of our Surgeons & Staff here on our website. We can also suggest some other resources for you to explore.