Common Questions Regarding Blepharoplasty

blepharoplasty procedure involves surgery on the eyelids to remove excess fat and tissue. The results can leave you with a more awake and youthful appearance. To help you understand the procedure, Dr. Dodde has answered a few important questions regarding blepharoplasties.

Can blepharoplasties change the shape of my eyes?

Blephs can change the shape if that is the intention, however, the goal of any cosmetic surgery is to refresh or restore the appearance of the eyelids to a more youthful look.

How should I prepare for my blepharoplasty procedure?

Anything that thins the blood i.e. aspirin, fish oil, etc. can cause significantly more bruising or possibly a hematoma.  These should be avoided for at least two weeks before surgery.

How will my eyes age after blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty results tend to be very durable.  The skin of the eyelids is extremely thin and quickly becomes stretched out and redundant due to age, allergies, and just morning puffiness.  This thin, redundant skin is replaced with thicker brow skin, making the result long-lasting.

Can blepharoplasty improve the function of my eyes?

Most certainly.  Removal of the excess skin can improve the visual field, similar to taking off a tennis visor.

How should I care for my eyes during recovery?

Ice should be applied immediately after surgery on a 15 minutes on/15 minutes off basis for the first 48 hours.  This will significantly reduce post-operative swelling and bruising.  After 48 hours ice packs can be substituted with warm wash clothes applied two to three times a day.  It is important that the compresses are warm and not too hot to avoid burning the skin.  Excessive or strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks post-op to avoid bleeding and a potential hematoma.  Eye make-up should be avoided for this same period to avoid irritation.  The eyelids tend to heal well with minimal effort from the patient and mostly require nothing more than time and patience.

If you suffer from excess skin around the eyes and sagging eyelids, you could benefit from a blepharoplasty! Contact our office today if you have any questions that have not been answered or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Dodde.