EYELID SURGERY


Eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove fat (usually along with excess skin and muscle) from the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift, also referred to as a forehead lift.

PLANNING YOUR SURGERY


Dr. Saieh will test your vision and assess your tear production. You and Dr. Saieh should carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. Dr. Saieh will explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, and the type of facility where the surgery will be performed.

PREPARING FOR YOUR YOUR SURGERY


Dr. Saieh will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, to avoid smoking, and taking or avoiding some vitamins and certain medications. Please stop, at least two weeks before surgery, all prescription and non-prescription herbal-like vitamins, diet pills, energizers, stimulants and appetite suppressants either bought in the USA or a foreign country, i.e. Mexico, etc. Bring them to the office and tell Dr. Saieh about them. Do not take Aspirin or Ibuprofen or any other related anti-inflammatory products for a period of three (3) weeks prior to surgery and four (4) weeks after surgery, because they can cause increased bleeding. To take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) is okay. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

LOCATION FOR THE SURGERY


Eyelid surgery may be performed at Dr. Saieh's surgical office suite, at an outpatient surgery center, or at a hospital. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will arrive to and leave from the surgery on the same day.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA


Eyelid Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia which numbs the area around your eyes, along with oral or intravenous sedatives.

THE SURGERY


During a typical procedure, the surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids: in the creases of you upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. Working through the incisions, Dr. Saieh separates the skin from the 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 SURGERY


After your surgery, Dr. Saieh will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off. Dr. Saieh will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies from person to person).