As we age, it is only natural for eyelids to sag. That can be at the root of many problems with how our eyes look and work at a basic level. Eyelids that fall and droop from above and bulgy, bloated or distended lower eyelids are usually responsible for causing the face to have an exhausted appearance. Blepharoplasty, the medical term for eyelid surgery, fixes difficulties with eyelids by eliminating extra skin and tightening the skin that remains. Blepharoplasty uses very discrete incisions in order to go along your natural eyelid contours to minimize the appearance of scars when healing is finished. The place for incisions on the lower eyelids is immediately below the line of eyelashes.
Some Qualifications for Lower Eyelid Surgery:
- Lower eyelid puffiness
- Lower eyelid bags
- Lower eyelid skin looseness
- Lower eyelid puckered and wrinkled skin
- Lower eyelid concavities
Not everyone with these symptoms may meet proper qualifications for surgery. Dr. Kole meets with each perspective patient in a private complimentary consultation prior to making that decision.
Getting Ready for Lower Eyelid Surgery
Specific instructions for preparation are given during your pre-operative consultation and surgical planning. Some instructions include when smokers need to stop prior to surgery, how long to abstain from Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, specific vitamins, herbal remedies and alcohol indulgence. Some of these do cause a more difficult recovery and complicate bruising and bleeding.
Post Eyelid Surgery
Immediately after lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Edward Kole normally puts soothing antibiotic ointment on and around the eyelids and cool saline soaked gauze. This helps when your anesthesia starts to diminish and the lids sometimes proceed to feel sore. Each patient has their own level of pain tolerance and some have a higher sense than others. The eye ointments help tremendously along with low doses of prescription pain medication. Once home, the head must be rested on pillows that are elevated for several days with cold compresses. This minimizes bruising and swelling.
Normal Routine
After the first day after surgery, you will most likely be able to start to watch television and do some reading. After a week, most patients report feeling comfortable in public places. At this time the eyes are still sensitive and vulnerable to irritation from environmental particles like dust and light sensitivity. Dark sunglasses and eye drops provided by from Dr. Kole must be used. You will also rinse your eyes regularly, according to, post-operative instructions. Demanding and tough exercise and activities must be avoided for at least two to three weeks. Make-up and contact lenses follow the two week rule also.
Over the next few months, most evident scars will soften and fade almost fully, leaving you to see the final results. Scars are rarely noticeable, as the delicate eyelid skin heals very well. Tired looking lower eyelids with stretched out skin and bags will be a part of your past. You will look fresh and rejuvenated.
Please contact Kole Plastic Surgery at 215-315-7655 if you are interested in lower eyelid surgery to schedule a complimentary consultation.
