Do your eyelids have that hooded appearance? Are they making you look and feel older? As we age, our eyelids begin to sag, sometimes so severely as to interfere with vision. This condition can be corrected with a procedure known as upper eyelid blepharoplasty, and you can have it done right here at Elmquist Eye Group, the best eyelid surgeons in southwest Florida.
What does the procedure involve?
As the skin ages, the more delicate skin around the eyelids begins to stretch and the underlying small muscles weaken. This can happen to the upper eyelids as well as the lower lids, when bags begin to form under the eye. Blepharoplasty is a procedure designed to repair droopy upper and lower eyelids. The surgeon makes a small incision, and removes or repositions and skin to give the patient a more natural appearance.
Blepharoplasty is a low-risk procedure. While most patients experience dry eye or eye irritation like itchiness, these symptoms resolve in a matter of days.
How do I prepare for the surgery?
In your initial appointment at Elmquist Eye Group, we will discuss your goals for the surgery, perform a physical examination, and collect an extensive medical history. We conduct a comprehensive eye exam and take pictures of your eyelids. We will use all of this information to assess any risk factors to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.
Prior to surgery, we ask you to discontinue any blood-thinning medications (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) and to quit smoking for several weeks before your surgery.
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure, but someone will need to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you the first night of surgery. The procedure is quick; each eye takes only about 20 minutes, and after we monitor you in our recovery area, you get to go home!
After the surgery, you might experience some swelling or bruising and might even have an appearance similar to a black eye. We instruct our patients to sleep with your head elevated to minimize these symptoms, and to use ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications as well. You will have to keep your eyelids clean and use the medications we prescribe. Your eyes may be more sensitive to light, so wearing sunglasses outdoors is advised.
For at least a week, patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity like jogging, swimming or heavy lifting while your eyes heal. You’ll also have to avoid wearing your contact lenses for at least a week. One week after your surgery, we conduct a follow-up appointment to check your progress. If you are progressing nicely, we may clear you for activities and contact lenses at this appointment.
Come to the Best
If you have been considering taking care of your droopy eyelids for a while, contact Elmquist Eye Group for a consultation. You can trust your eyes to the best eyelid surgeons in southwest Florida. We have convenient locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, and our entire Elmquist team is ready to take care of you. Call us today to schedule your appointment.