Preparing for surgery
After the initial consultation, our ART MEDIC surgeon will examine the areas around your eyes and determine the extent of the surgery needed. He will discuss the factors that may affect the procedure—such as the condition of the skin and excess of the skin needed to be removed —and the possible changes in your appearance as the result of the surgery.
ART MEDIC surgeons will give you instructions how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the effect that the surgery will have on your face. Our specialists will also explain the effects of the anaesthesia that will be used, will show you the operating theatre where the surgery will be performed, and will inform you about all the costs involved. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications involved.
Description of surgery
Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, in which case you'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. (You might feel some tugging or occasional discomfort during the procedure.) If you wish, we can perform the surgery under general anaesthesia, in which case, you'll sleep through the operation.
Blepharoplasty usually takes one to three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery, for example if you're having all four eyelids done. During a typical procedure incisions are made in the creases, following the natural lines of your eyelids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions may extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes. Working through these incisions, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and often trims sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.
After the surgery
After surgery, your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain killers prescribed by our surgeon. It is advisable to wear sunglasses for a couple of days to protect your eyes. A liquid discharge can also be experienced along the incision in the first 48 hours, in which case camilla treatment is recommended. You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold packs in the first two days to reduce swelling and bruising. You'll be shown how to clean your eyes. We will recommend using eyedrops, because your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.
The stitches will be removed 5 days after surgery and after this time washing the eyelids is encouraged. Once the stitches are removed, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually disappear, and you'll start to look and feel much better. Make up and mascara should be avoided for 3 weeks after surgery.
The scars will be slightly pink after surgery, but in 3-4 month they'll eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The result of the surgery is already visible in 90% within weeks, but the final shape of your eyelids will be reached only after 3 to 4 months after the procedure. The positive results of your eyelid surgery and your nbew look will last for many years. And for some of our patients these results are permanent.
