Men and women affected by the effects of time and age may find that their eyes are no longer as bright and vibrant as they once were. This is often due to the loosening of skin and muscle around the eye, which then allows small fatty deposits beneath the skin to become highly visible. Some people experience such drooping that their vision becomes impaired. Droopy eyelids, as well as under-eye bags, can be treated successfully with blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery.

Eyelid surgery may be performed on the upper lids, the lower lids, or both in the same procedure. Dr. Kwan determines the best treatment plan during an in-depth consultation in which you are able to discuss your areas of concern, as well as your overall desired outcome. Regardless of the exactness of the procedure, incisions could be closed with tiny sutures, tape, or, in some cases, be left to heal naturally. If sutures are used to close incisions, they will dissolve over a few days time, so you will not have to visit your doctor for removal.

Most of the time, eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed under anesthesia in our New York facility. As the effects of medication wears off, patients are able to leave our surgical facility with a responsible driver to begin their at-home recovery.

Tips for reduced swelling and reach optimal healing following eyelid surgery

Swelling is a normal byproduct of most types of surgery. Because the eyes are a highly visible area, it is understandable that you would want to do all that you can to minimize swelling following eyelid surgery. Some of the ways in which swelling can be minimized include:

• Keep eyes covered as directed by your surgeon, resting as much as possible the day of your procedure.
• When sleeping, keep the head in an elevated position.
• In the first 48 hours after surgery, apply ice packs or cold compresses as needed.
• Use eye drops as prescribed by your doctor to keep eyes from feeling dry. This will help you to avoid the excessive blinking that could increase swelling.
• Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages or high-sodium foods.
• Do not wear contacts for the first few days after surgery. Glasses may be worn instead.
• Avoid long periods of time reading, or at the computer.
• Wear adequate eye protection in the form of sunglasses to promote healing.
• Avoid sun exposure.
• Avoid strenuous activities for approximately one month.
• Listen to your body! Extra rest as needed is necessary for optimal recovery.

Returning to work following eyelid surgery

The main issue with returning to work is not pain, but aesthetics. The eyes may look slightly bruised for a week or two following eyelid surgery. Most people arrange to take at least a week to ten days away from normal obligations and work activities, allowing their skin to return to a bright, healthy appearance. Because no makeup should be worn for at least a week following blepharoplasty, there is no way to mask the appearance of bruising during this first week of recovery.

Dr. Edmund Kwan has more than eighteen years experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. Revive your appearance in the most natural way. Contact our office in Manhattan, New Jersey, or Flushing for your consultation.