Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a common procedure that many women choose to have performed by Dr. Kole. By removing the excess fatty tissue and sagging skin causing eyelids to droop or look puffy, women look younger once the recovery and the full healing process is over. Recovery is the shorter period of time after surgery, while, the healing process is the longer period of time it takes for your face and body to settle down in its’ response and facial surgical adjustments.
Immediately after your eyelid surgery, upon being sent home, recovery time varies for each individual. One week is the normal time before returning to the office for a visit and removal of your sutures. Ointment will be on your eyes when you leave the recovery room and should be used at home along with the eye drops you will have, in order to keep your eyes lubricated and help allow them to close, smoothly. There are some patients who will have dissolving sutures used for their procedure. You will still be seen a week later, to have your eye and suture area carefully cleaned, as well as, to clear away any sutures that are deemed to be not dissolving quickly enough on their own.
Usually, there is a 2 week waiting period before using contact lenses. Due to decreased tear production after surgery, this time period may be slightly longer in some individuals. Also, it is only natural to tend to stretch or gently tug on your eyelids when you put lenses into your eyes, which needs to be avoided. There are some recovery factors in every patient’s control, by following standard instructions, to help the initial recovery period. If followed, the initial post-surgical recovery period average is usually 7-10 days.
For the first 10 days after surgery:
- Use your ice packs to keep swelling down
- Avoid using certain prescriptions, all NSAIDS, fish oil and Vitamin E
- Avoid all strenuous activity
- Avoid smoking for a two week period before and after surgery
- Keep your head elevated
The first sign of your full healing, within 3-6 months later, is when your face and the area around your eyes are completely finished with any residual swelling. It might be swelling that only you, a loved one or Dr. Kole can see when looking closely. During this extended period of time, from recovery to healing, you will continue to have more fading of your scars. Many women request to have their eyes even, or symmetrical, when undergoing Blepharoplasty surgery. Excess skin and fat doesn’t always present itself evenly. Often, this is not difficult. It is natural for the face to be asymmetrical. When looking for symmetry in your eye placement, patients might not see those final results until all swelling has subsided completely.
After your complete recovery, you will look more refreshed, more youthful and feel better about yourself especially when looking in the mirror and when your friends tell you how young you look.
Please contact Kole Plastic Surgery at The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center at 215-315-7655 to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Edward Kole. Our office and Licensed Ambulatory Surgical Center is conveniently located at: [primary_address] Southampton, PA, [primary_state] [primary_postal]
