If you’d like to achieve a more youthful facial appearance and improve the appearance of your eyelids, eyelid surgery could be an excellent solution. Also known as blepharoplasty, the procedure is typically performed to remove excess skin and/or tissue from the upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery can also be used to reduce the appearance of bags, dark circles, or wrinkles beneath the eyes. If you’re interested in eyelid surgery, the first step will be to have a consultation with the plastic surgeon you’re considering for the procedure. During this initial meeting, there are several questions that you’ll want to ask.
Are You Board-Certified?
Whenever you’re undergoing any cosmetic surgery, it’s important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon. When a surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it means they’ve put in an exceptional amount of time and work into their training and education. You can typically count on a board-certified plastic surgeon to perform procedures safely and ethically. So, to ensure the best results and reduce the risk of complications, your eyelid surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. James Anthony.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
When you’re considering plastic surgery, one of the first steps should always be making sure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Asking a qualified plastic surgeon about your candidacy is an excellent way to determine if eyelid surgery is the right choice for you. Fortunately, blepharoplasty isn’t usually a particularly invasive procedure, so it tends to be safe for most people. Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery should:
- Be in good physical health
- Have the desire to eliminate excess skin and/or fat from the eyelids
- Have the desire to reduce the appearance of bags, dark circles, or wrinkles beneath the eyes
- Be free of serious eye conditions
- Be a non-smoker
- Have reasonable expectations for the procedure
- During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss these factors with you to make sure that you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Do I Need Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery?
There are two primary types of eyelid surgery: upper and lower. These procedures are quite different, and you’ll want to establish during your consultation which surgery is right for you. Typically, upper blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess skin and tissue from the upper eyelids, which can make the eyes look more youthful and improve vision. Lower blepharoplasty usually involves the removal and repositioning of fat beneath the eyes to eliminate bags and dark circles and create smoother skin. In some cases, patients will opt to undergo both upper and lower eyelid surgery simultaneously, and this could be an option for you as well.
What Will the Recovery Be Like?
When you start the process of undergoing eyelid surgery, it will be helpful to have a general idea of what you can expect during the eventual recovery period. If you ask your plastic surgeon about this, they’ll give you detailed information about how much downtime will be required and what you’ll need to do while you’re healing. With this information, you can better prepare yourself and your home for your recovery period. You can also make any necessary arrangements, such as enlisting the help of family members and scheduling time off work.
How Do I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
If you’ve decided to move forward with eyelid surgery, one of the final questions you ask your plastic surgeon should be about properly preparing for the procedure. Your doctor will inform you of several steps to take to ensure that you’re ready for both the surgery and the recovery period. Some of the preparation steps may include:
- Get a medical evaluation and/or lab testing
- Stop or adjust certain medications
- Stop smoking
- Stop drinking alcohol
- Schedule time off work for recovery
- Prepare meals for your recovery period
- Enlist one or more loved ones to drive you home after surgery and help with your recovery
- Set up a comfortable and convenient recovery area in your home
Why Choose Dr. James Anthony for Your Eyelid Surgery?
If you want to achieve the best possible results from your eyelid surgery, choosing the right plastic surgeon is crucial. Dr. James Anthony is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his technical skill and consistently natural-looking results. If you sit down for a consultation with Dr. Anthony, he’ll be happy to answer all of your questions and put together a personalized treatment plan that suits your unique needs. Contact our office today if you’d like to schedule your initial consultation.
