Eyelid Surgery Ft Lauderdale
with Dr. ThomassenWhat is Eyelid Surgery?
What are the different types of Eyelid Surgery?
Upper Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin mostly and sometimes excess fat from the upper eyelid. The fat can create a puffy appearing upper eyelid in the central or medial aspect. By removing this fat and excess skin, puffy eyes can look youthful again.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can remove excess skin that causes wrinkles in the lower eyelid. It also removes excess fat that causes bags.
If fat deposits are the only concern, with little excess skin, the procedure involves an incision inside the eyelid. Sometimes an incision inside the eyelid is used. This is called a Transconjunctival blepharoplasty. This avoids a scar on the skin. The advantage of a transconjunctival blepharoplasty is that it does not violate the orbicularis muscle or septum. It approaches the lower lid fat pads from behind these structures. This causes less scarring. There is less risk of lower eyelid malposition or retraction.
Sometimes, a chemical peel is applied to the lower eyelid skin during a blepharoplasty. This can help remove fine wrinkles in the skin.
What is a Quad Blepharoplasty?
Quad blepharoplasty is a combination of both upper and lower eyelids done at the same time. This allows for one recovery time and a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?
Eyelid Surgery Ft Lauderdale
Preparing for your Eyelid Surgery
Medications
Smoking
Physical Exam
Preoperative Clearance
Days before Surgery
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- Avoid strenuous exercise in the days leading up to your surgery. You should be well rested leading up to your surgery date. Also avoid excessive sun exposure.
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- Refrain from alcohol the week before surgery.
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- Stop using skin irritants on your face 1 week before surgery, including light peels, acne medication, and retinoic acid.
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- Pick up your prescriptions with plenty of time before your procedure. Set up a comfortable recovery area at home. Plan your meals ahead. Include a light, clear liquid meal for the first night.
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- Plan for someone to be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
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- You will get a call from our Operating Room Nurse a few days before your procedure. They will go over the consent and any preoperative details and instructions. This is to make sure you are ready for surgery.
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- Our Anesthesia Provider will call you the day before surgery. They will go over your medications and discuss details about your anesthesia.
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- Use antibacterial soap when showering the day before surgery.
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- Remove any piercings or jewelry you have before coming in for the procedure.
What to expect the day of surgery
The day of surgery you will arrive at our office at the appointed time. Wear something loose and comfortable that you can wear during the procedure.
You will meet the surgical team, including a preop nurse and anesthesia provider. Dr. Thomassen will answer any final questions you have about the procedure and do some markings.
What Anesthesia is Used for a Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Most of these procedures are performed under local anesthesia in the office. An oral sedative is often administered as well to help relax you during the procedure. Oral sedation includes the use of oral Valium.
If the procedure is a lower lid blepharoplasty and/or joined with other procedures, IV sedation is used. The IV sedation medications used include Versed, Propofol, and Fentanyl. Local anesthesia will make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. When you wake up after IV Sedation, you should feel comfortable, without the nausea that accompanies general anesthesia.
How long does a Blepharoplasty take?
An upper lid blepharoplasty takes approximately 30-45 minutes. A lower lid blepharoplasty takes about 1 hour to do. Both procedures together take about 1 1/w hours to finish.
If done with IV sedation, when you wake up you should be comfortable. Cold compresses will be placed in the recovery area to diminish swelling and bruising post. You will be capable of going home after you meet criteria for discharge. Dr. Thomassen will call you the evening of the surgery to make sure you are doing well.
What is the Recovery like for a Blepharoplasty?
After surgery you will recover comfortably at home. You will be given instructions on how to use cold compresses, ointments, and antibiotics. Dr. Thomassen will follow up with you by phone to make sure your recovery is as expected.
Your first follow up with Dr. Thomassen will be 1 week after surgery. Your incisions should be healed and Dr. Thomassen will remove any sutures.
You should not plan to undertake any strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Light walking is fine the first week and you can gradually increase exercise as you feel better.
At 2 weeks, you will have another follow up to guarantee your recovery is as expected. Your final eyelid surgery results will be clear at this time.
You can find more information about recovery after a blepharoplasty in our page: What to expect from your eyelid surgery. Please visit us if interested in a blepharoplasty in Ft Lauderdale.
