1.There are eyelid specialists who only perform this surgery

Oculoplastic surgeons are the plastic surgeon experts of the eyelid. The fellowship is two years to become accrediated in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeons (ASOPRS). Their expertise is in cosmetic eyelid surgery such blepharoplasty. Most importantly they will know if you are good candidate or if there are medical reasons you shouldn’t get the surgery.

2. Not everyone needs eyelid surgery

Some patients do better with fillers, botox or no surgery at all. It is important to see someone who can give you all options not just a few. I perform a lot of filler placement in the eyelids for cosmetic improvement.

3. Recovery is 2 weeks on average but can be longer

The “average’ recovery is two weeks. What that means is in two weeks you will be presentable in public but not full healed. Don’t plan to speak at your best friends wedding in three weeks after your surgery.

4. Realistic expecations are important

The outcome for all patients is variable based on age, skin quality, personal healing, and anatomy. There is no one size fits all surgery and no guarantees for anyone. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations of what is and isn’t possible. The goal from surgery is an improvement and not perfection. Perfection is not realistic and anyone selling that to you is in fact “selling” you something and trying to lure you to have surgery with them by offering unrealistic expecations.

5. There are some risks to the surgery

There are risks to eyelid surgery such as vision problems, double vision, asymmetry, need for further surgery, bleeding, scarring and infection. It is important to know the risks before you have surgery.

6. Expect to be black and blue for a couple weeks

Bruising and swelling is a normal part of the surgery. Expect to be black and blue. There can even be bruising on the eye surface. The good news is that bruising and swelling go away. It always does but takes time.

7. Some patients need ptosis repair along with blepharoplasty

Ptosis is drooping of the eyelid. Some patients need that procedure along or instead of blepharoplasty. Seeing an eyelid expert will give you the guidance if you do or don’t need that.

8. Time off work is necessary

I tell patients to take one week off work. That is a realistic amount of time. I wouldn’t plan on doing any very important work activities such as public speaking for three weeks.

9. Choose a surgeon based on experience and comfort level

The two most important qualities in a surgeon for eyelid surgery is experience and whether you have a good comfort level with them. Go with your gut. Ask to see before and after photos. Most experienced and good surgeons will fufill both qualities.

10. Make sure you know what to look out for after surgery

As earlier discussed, there are risks to the surgery and it is important to now what to look out for with the surgery. This includes signs of bleeding and infection.

I wrote a book for patients who are interested in blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery. It is a critical read for my patients but also is a great read for patients who are undergoing blepharoplasty anywhere in the country. If you are interested in a consultation with me call my office to see if we are a good fit and whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery.