Eyelid Surgery
LENGTH: 1-2 hours
ANESTHESIA: Local or Sedation
IN/OUTPATIENT: Outpatient
SIDE EFFECTS: Bruising, swelling
RECOVERY: Return to work: 7 – 10 days, Light exercise: 2-3 weeks
Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation
Your visit with Dr. Tran will determine if you are a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery and/or lower eyelid surgery in Arlington. If you are in good physical health and have reasonable expectations then this may be a good choice for you.
Surgery may be right for you if you are a man or woman with droopy or baggy eyelids. This usually develops for most people in their mid-thirties but if baggy eyelids run in your family, it may be appropriate to have surgery when you are younger.
During your first visit, Dr. Tran will ask you about your desired results. This will help him understand your expectations and let you know if they can be realistically accomplished.
Dr. Tran will analyze your eyes and face as a whole and evaluate the shape of your eyes, the amount of eyelid skin you have and the position of your eyebrows. After your consultation, photographs will be taken for your medical record and additional analysis.
Be prepared to discuss any medical conditions you may have, allergies, prior surgeries, and any medications, vitamins or other supplements that you currently take.
You will be asked about any conditions that may complicate the procedure such as any thyroid disease, uncontrolled hypertension or clotting problems. Any history of glaucoma, dry eyes, detached retinas or other eye problems should also be discussed. It is important for you to provide complete information.
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before your surgery. Dr. Tran is concerned about your health and safety and depending on your medical status may ask for additional evaluations before proceeding with surgery.
You will learn about the eye lift procedure, its limitations and risks, and Dr. Tran will discuss your needs and concerns. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on your examination and factors such as the amount of fat in the eyelids, quality of skin, and surrounding structures.
To better understand your potential results for this procedure, look over the eyelid surgery before and after photos in our gallery.
Eyelid Surgery/Blepharoplasty Technique
The surgery to rejuvenate the eyelids usually involves incisions in the natural creases or lines next to your lashes. Dr. Tran believes that surgeries are individualized procedures and that no one technique is right for every patient.
Both upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty can be performed depending on the patient’s requirements. In cases where the upper and lower eyelids are being rejuvenated, the upper lids will be addressed first.
In most cases, excess skin and some fat will be removed. In more extreme cases, eyelid muscles may also be tightened.
Someone with early signs of aging may not need as extensive and operation as a person with more advanced signs. Incisions around the eyes usually heal very well and scars are almost imperceptible.
The Day of Surgery
Before eye lift surgery, you will be given medicine to lessen the anxiety and pain. Surgery can be done under local anesthesia with some sedation or when you are completely asleep. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
In most cases, you will go home the same day as surgery. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay to help you the first few days while at home.
Your Recovery
You will likely have swelling and bruising around your eyes for several days after your surgery. Special cold compresses will be given to help for the first two days. It is best to sleep with your head elevated on several pillows in order to help decrease the swelling. Your eyelids may not close like they did before surgery and may take several weeks before they feel like they are shutting naturally again.
When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions eye drops and ointments for you to apply, as well as medicine for pain and swelling.
Your vision may be blurry from the eyelid lift surgery and it will be 2-3 days before you are able to watch television and read clearly. If you wear contact lenses, it may be about 2 weeks before you can start wearing them again.
Your follow-up visits will usually start a few days following your surgery for a checkup and Dr. Tran will review activity limitations, incision care and concerns you may have. Following this visit you will return in approximately 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and one year.
Be assured that your relationship with Dr. Tran does not end after your surgery. If you have any concerns during your recovery, or have more questions at a later time, you can always contact Dr. Tran.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
When preparing for eyelid surgery, cost is always a factor. The price of each patient’s eyelid surgery varies depending on the exact details of their case. Cost is affected by the total surgery time, the techniques utilized, the amount of tissue removed, and many other aspects of the process.
Arrange a Consultation
To set up a consultation regarding eyelid surgery in Arlington, contact the office of Dr. Anthony Tran. Arrange your appointment today!