Excess fat deposits and loose skin can occur anywhere on the body, including the upper and lower eyelids.
We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation to discuss blepharoplasty preparation and surgery in Scottsdale.
How to Prepare for Blepharoplasty
Preparation for blepharoplasty surgery in Scottsdale begins as soon as your surgery is scheduled.
The quality and health of your skin play a role in how well it heals after surgery. Practice good skin care, including wearing SPF 30 sunscreen or greater when outside and using quality skin care products and moisturizer daily. Proper skin care will also be important to maintain your results, so get in the habit now.
Nicotine and smoking impair healing and increase your risk for complications, including infection. If you smoke, you must stop six weeks before and after surgery. This includes any nicotine products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping, and nicotine gum and patches.
Although blepharoplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours. Schedule your time off work and be sure you have help for childcare, housework, shopping, driving, and pet care for the first week after surgery. Share your schedule for the first week with trusted friends and family members.
In the weeks before surgery, practice good hygiene and health practices to lower your risk of getting a cold or infection that can postpone your surgery. A healthy lifestyle also supports skin healing after surgery. This includes eating a highly nutritious diet, getting plenty of quality sleep, and exercising each day.
Fill your prescriptions for any necessary pain medication, antibiotics, or other prescription medications you are on. Being fully prepared to rest and relax on the days following surgery can make your recovery go more smoothly.
Finally, find your comfort zone in your home. Choose a place where you can rest quietly with your head elevated. Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping, can help reduce swelling and speed healing. You don’t want to be testing pillows and chairs on the day you have surgery.
What Happens During Blepharoplasty Surgery
Before the procedure, you will be given medications that help keep you comfortable and reduce discomfort. You and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ross Stutman will discuss using intravenous sedation or general anesthesia during your preparation before your blepharoplasty surgery in Scottsdale. Once you have received the medication, your surgeon will begin making incisions.
The incisions are designed so the resulting healed tissue is well concealed within the natural structures of your eyelids. You may choose to have an upper or lower eyelid procedure done or both. The upper eyelid is corrected using an incision in the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows Dr. Stutman to remove or reposition fat deposits and remove excess skin.
On the lower eyelid, an incision is made just below the lower lash line, so the surgeon can remove excess fat and skin. An alternative is to make an incision inside the lower eyelid to correct lower eyelid conditions. However, when using this technique, no excess skin is removed. The eyelid incisions are closed with either sutures or skin glue.
What Should I Ask Dr. Stutman?
While this is a relatively simple outpatient procedure, there are several questions you will want to consider during your consultation, including:
- Am I a good candidate for the procedure?
- What do I have to do after surgery to get the best results?
- What surgical technique do you recommend for me?
- How long do you expect my recovery to last?
- What are the potential risks associated with a blepharoplasty?
- How do you handle complications?
- Tell me about how my eyes are going to look during recovery.
- How long can I expect the results to last?
- Can I see before and after photos of blepharoplasty procedures?
These questions help you make the best decision and set realistic expectations of what the surgery can accomplish.
Learn More About Blepharoplasty Preparation and Surgery in Scottsdale
Excess fatty deposits and sagging tissue do not always impair vision but can make you look older and chronically tired.
A blepharoplasty can refresh and rejuvenate your appearance, making you look younger and more alert. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about blepharoplasty preparation and surgery in Scottsdale.