Before Surgery
Before making the decision to undergo eyelid surgery, you should find out as much information as possible about the procedure, the surgeon and hospital you are being treated at.
Always discuss the procedure with your clinic or hospital first and then go away and think about it before making your decision. You should also have a consultation of at least an hour with your surgeon before going ahead. Do not be afraid to ask any questions and make sure all of your concerns are addressed before you sign on the dotted line. The most important thing is to make an informed decision that you feel confident about.
During your consultation your surgeon should take a thorough medical history and give you a consent form to sign to make sure you fully understand the possible risks and complications. It is very important that you read this form carefully. It is also important to make sure your surgeon is aware of any medical conditions you may be suffering from such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and bleeding disorders, as these can increase the risks associated with blepharoplasty. It is also important to tell them if you have had laser eye surgery to correct your vision as this may also increase the risk of complications. You should also inform your GP about having the surgery in case there are any problems later on.
After examining you your surgeon will explain your options and recommend what type of procedure(s) you may need to achieve the best result. If you have drooping brows they may also recommend you undergo a brow-lift.
Before your surgery, your surgeon may require you to be examined by an ophthalmologist (specialist eye surgeon) to test for glaucoma (a disease affecting your eyesight) and to make sure that you have no problems with tear production.
To prepare for your surgery you should:
• Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of 10 days before your surgery, because they thin the blood and make surgery more dangerous
• Give up smoking at least two months before the procedure, as it increases the risks and can delay the healing process
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• If you take vitamin E supplements you should stop taking them in the weeks before your surgery. You should also avoid gingko biloba and ginseng, as these are believed to prolong the bleeding after the surgery
• Continue to take prescription and daily medicines as long as they have been approved by your surgeon
While the directions for preparing for eyelid surgery may differ somewhat from surgeon to surgeon, there are some general guidelines you can follow to help ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
Make sure to shower and shampoo before the procedure and to wash your eyebrows. Cosmetics should not be worn. False eyelashes, contact lenses, jewellery, and any other unnecessary accessories should be left at home. The ideal type of clothing to wear on the day of surgery is a loose-fitting and comfortable outfit. Check with your surgeon about whether any prescription medicines or eye drops you regularly take may be taken the morning of your blepharoplasty.
It will also be helpful to ensure you have the following items at home for use after your surgery:
• Ice packs
• Clean washcloths
• Clean bowl for cold water
• Sterile gauze pads
• Paracetamol
• Bottle of artificial tears
