If you needed an operation for a health crisis, you would most likely have a lot of questions. You would want to know what the diagnosis is, if there are any alternative treatments, how this will affect your life, what recovery will be like, how long after will it take to know the results, current research about your condition, and more. Without this information, you might feel anxious, uncertain, and concerned, and you could be unpleasantly surprised by unexpected facts about what to expect for your surgery.
To save you from a similar uncertainty about what to expect for eyelid surgery, here are 8 things you need to know before you undergo blepharoplasty.
1. Experience and Credentials Really Do Matter
Choosing a non-experienced or non-certified plastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery would put you at risk. Find a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience not only in plastic surgery, but specifically in eyelid surgery. Jason B. Diamond, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery and other facial rejuvenation procedures. These credentials and years of experience will make all the difference in the quality of your results and your surgical experience.
2. Confidence Is Critical
You may not know anything about eyelid surgery yourself, but if you’re confident in your surgeon, that will not matter. The key is finding a surgeon with whom you can feel confident and comfortable. Do your research on your surgeon, read reviews, and establish trust through in-person communication before deciding on your surgeon. Even if a well-qualified surgeon might be deserving of your trust, if you don’t find a personal connection with him, you will always doubt his ability to give you what you seek. The ability to trust your surgeon will ensure your peace of mind and help you feel comfortable calling him any time if you have questions or concerns.
3. It Could Be Expensive
Eyelid surgery can be expensive. Discount pricing often means lower quality results, and major elective surgery is not a time to try and save money. Do not take the risk of “you get what you pay for” with your eyes. Be willing to spend more, but know that eyelid surgery offers a major bang for your buck. Of all facial rejuvenation procedures, eyelid surgery is among those with the most significant, long-lasting results.
4. It’s a Major Surgery
Eyelid surgery is still surgery. You will need to take time off. Set aside 5 to 10 days for your recovery at home. Remember that nervousness is natural. Give yourself an emotional and mental break for it. Dr. Diamond and his staff will be more than happy to answer any questions and alleviate your concerns.
5. You’ll Still Look Like Yourself
Eyelid surgery will not transform your appearance or make you look like someone else. Rather, it will refresh and rejuvenate your appearance so that you look like a younger version of yourself. Rejuvenating the eye area restores a more youthful look to the face. Many of your peers will not realize you had surgery but will notice that you look refreshed, relaxed, and reinvigorated.
6. It’s Best to Avoid All Contact With Your Eyes for 2 or More Weeks
Even though most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days after surgery, it is best to avoid all contact with your eyes for a full 2 or more weeks. Do not wear any makeup or contact lenses during this time, as doing so could put you at risk of jeopardizing your results or causing an infection. Resist the temptation to rub your eyes or put makeup on, and just let your eyes heal. As a bonus, avoiding contact with your eyes can help the swelling subside more quickly.
7. Your Eyes Will Feel “Off” for a Little While
After eyelid surgery, your eyes will feel a little out of sorts for a short while. Some swelling, redness, dryness, and sensitivity to light are common. Cold compresses, eye drops, sunglasses, and pain medications will help you feel comfortable. Don’t try to force your eyes to adapt more quickly, but take the break and rest them. You’ll notice improvements in how they feel after just a few days.
8. Results Could Take a Year
As your eyes adjust and swelling subsides, you will see gradual improvements in your results. However, the full results can take 6 months up to 1 year. Postoperative swelling can disguise the final appearance and may even temporarily cause slight asymmetries. Give it time to heal; it will be worth it. Most patients are happily satisfied with their results after eyelid surgery.