If blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is something you are considering because you want a refreshed look to your eye region, you are not alone. Blepharoplasty is performed for many people looking to eliminate sagging, puffy, or droopy eyelids that make them appear older or more tired than they feel. While the surgery is popular for aesthetic reasons, it can also help enhance your vision when sagging skin obstructs the line of sight.
When you are preparing for an eyelid lift in Tampa, then you must understand what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kailash Narasimhan performs this surgery to give you natural-looking results while putting your safety and comfort first.
After scheduling your eyelid lift, you can take several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. These preparation tips will help you go through the process as comfortably as possible.
If you smoke, Dr. Narasimhan will advise you to stop at least a couple of weeks in advance of surgery. Smoking impairs healing and can raise your risk of complications.
Certain medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase the risks of bleeding from the procedure. Dr. Narasimhan will give you an exact list of medications to avoid prior to the procedure.
Blepharoplasty is usually an outpatient surgery, so must have someone transport you to the surgical center and back home. It is also highly recommended that you have a support person stay with you for at least the first 24 hours of recovery to help you with simple tasks.
You will want a quiet, comfortable space to relax and recover after your surgery. Having extra pillows available to elevate your head will help reduce swelling.
Our staff can provide you with a comprehensive list of ways to recover from your eyelid lift in Tampa.
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Narasimhan will go over the procedure with you again and answer any last-minute questions. Generally, an eyelid lift takes one to two hours, depending on whether both the upper and lower eyelids are being treated. Many patients receive local anesthesia with sedation, which ensures comfort without the need for general anesthesia.
Dr. Narasimhan will make smooth incisions along the natural folds of your eyelids to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible. Then, he may remove excess skin, fat, and muscle or reposition them for a smoother and more youthful look. After making the needed adjustments, he will close the incisions carefully with sutures. Following the preparation instructions for your eyelid lift in Tampa can reduce your risk of complications during surgery.
In the first days after your blepharoplasty, some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are expected. Dr. Narasimhan will provide explicit aftercare instructions to make your recovery quick and easy. To ease the swelling, apply cold compresses to your eyes and sleep with your head on an extra pillow.
You will likely be scheduled for a follow-up within the first week following surgery so Dr. Narasimhan can check on your progress and remove sutures.
Most patients can resume light activities within one week, although it can take several weeks for all swelling and bruising to clear. The healing process generally takes a couple of months, so the results are usually fully recognizable after a couple of months.
If you are ready to enhance the look of your eyes by undergoing an eyelid lift, then Dr. Narasimhan and his staff are here to help and support you through each stage. Preparing for an eyelid lift in Tampa can give you that refreshed, youthful look that will follow your desired aesthetic goals.
Take the first step back into a beautiful new you by booking a consultation with Dr. Narasimhan today. You can look forward to a brighter and more youthful appearance with personalized care combined with advanced surgical techniques.