Blepharoplasty is a common procedure among young women. Women typically come into the office in consultation with a complaint that their eyes feel tired or heavy at the end of the day. They often describe a sensation of fullness on the lateral aspect of their upper eyelids that either makes them feel tired or look tired.
Q: What is commonly involved in a blepharoplasty procedure?
A: Upper blepharoplasty procedures are very common. Blepharoplasty procedures are commonly performed under general anesthesia. I find that patients are often most comfortable under general anesthesia when performing surgery on the eyelids. I find that when the patient is relaxed, the entire surgical experience is much more enjoyable.
Q: What is the recovery time for upper blepharoplasty?
A: I typically tell patients that if surgery is done on Friday, on Monday they are fine going back to work...meaning e-mails, cell phone, phone conference meetings, or paperwork. Typically, I prefer if patients wait for a full two weeks before performing any heavy lifting or straining.
Patients are instructed to sleep with the head of their bed elevated for 48 hours to reduce swelling. Bruising can occur and can be visible for anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks.
There is usually one suture placed on each eyelid that is removed at approximately 5 days following surgery.
All patients are given pain pills such as Percocet or Vicodin. Typically, patients do not complain of any pain following upper eyelid surgery and can easily convert to Tylenol or Motrin within a day or two.
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