Blepharoplasty operations are designed to make your eyes look younger by removing extra fat and skin from around the eyes. Even small amounts of excess skin and fat in the eye region can make you look tired and older. Dr. Martin Moskovitz specializes in professional eyelid surgery in New Jersey and is committed to providing cosmetic plastic surgery care in a safe and effective manner.
It is important to carefully look at the eyes pre-operatively. Many patients complain of a roll of skin above the upper eyelid near the brow. This area is best treated with a browlift, not a blepharoplasty. This difference will be carefully explained to you at consultation.
Blepharoplasty Pre-Operative Care
No aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar drugs should be taken within two weeks of eyelid surgery. These medications can cause serious excess bleeding during and after the blepharoplasty. If you have any questions about drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter preparations and natural herbs, please call us at (201) 225-1101.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the night before your procedure. This includes coffee and juice in the morning. Oral medications can be taken with a sip of water.
The Operation - Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery can often be done in the office and is often performed with other surgery, such as a facelift. Most patients go home the same day.
The incisions around the eyes are marked and are hidden in skin creases. Local anesthetic is injected and the excess skin is cut away. Underlying fat is then trimmed as needed. The skin is then closed and a cool compress is applied.
Some patients with excess fat of the lower eyelids and no excess skin can have an incision placed on the inside of their eyelid (transconjunctival) which is totally hidden.
Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Care
A cool compress should stay in place for 24-36 hours to minimize swelling. An eye lubricant similar to Vaseline® will be placed in the eyes nightly since you may not fully close your eyes for the first one to two weeks. Eye drops can be used as needed for dryness and an eyewash will be prescribed three times per day for the first week.
The stitches are removed 4 to 5 days after the surgery. Some bruising may persist for 2-3 weeks, but can be covered with makeup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery?
A blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids.
What are the benefits of this surgery?
This procedure can correct droopy eyelids and remove puffiness or bags from below your eyes that can make you look older and tired. After surgery you should look more youthful and refreshed.
What are the risks associated with this surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. Since the surgery does take place around the eyes, there is also the possibility of developing temporary vision blurring or dry eyes. Dr. Moskovitz will inform you of risks prior to surgery.
What do I need to do before surgery?
Please confirm your pre-operative appointment with our office. At this visit, you will undergo a history and physical examination and Dr. Moskovitz will be available to answer any questions you may have regarding your surgical procedure. The fees will also be collected at this visit. Once you have received specific instructions from Dr. Moskovitz, you will be sent for any laboratory (blood work) or diagnostic examinations needed. These tests may be covered by insurance as part of your annual physical. While eyelid surgery is usually done in the office, if the hospital is a better choice for safety reasons, you will be sent there and additional fees may apply. Please note that in this case hospital fees are completely separate from surgeon's fees and any hospital maters must be discussed with the hospital directly.You may not take aspirin within 2 weeks of your surgery and you should also avoid smoking for two weeks before and after the operation.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will report our office on the day of surgery and will be asked to change into a hospital gown. A nurse will review your chart and confirm that all the paperwork is in order. You will be taken to a pre-operative holding area and the anesthesiologist will start an intravenous line in one of your arms. Before any medications are administered, Dr. Moskovitz will verify your name and the type of procedure you are having. He will answer any questions that you may have. You will then be taken to the operating room where the appropriate anesthesia will be administered and our surgery will be performed. Once the surgery is complete, you will be taken to a post-operative recovery unit where you will be monitored closely during your recovery.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
There are several types of anesthesia but the most common forms are general, local and monitored anesthesia care. With a general anesthetic, you will be asleep during your surgery. With a local anesthetic, you will be alert during the surgery and only the incision location will be anesthetized. With monitored anesthesia care or MAC, you will be given medications to relax you and the incision location will be anesthetized.
What happens during the surgery, and how is the surgery performed?
A blepharoplasty, depending on the extent of the surgery, usually takes one hour to complete. During surgery, incisions are made that follow the natural lines of your eyelids. Incisions are made in the crease above your eyelids and just below the eyelashes in the lower lids and are closed with a very fine suture. The incisions enable the surgeon to trim or remove excess fat, skin and muscle as needed. The lower eyelid can also be approached through an incision on the inside of the eyelid in cases when only fat needs to be removed.
How long will I be in the surgery center?
Your blepharoplasty is done on an outpatient basis and you will be permitted to go home after a few hours.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
Dr. Moskovitz will apply an ointment and a cold pack to your eyelids after surgery. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore, but any discomfort can be controlled by pain medication as prescribed. If you experience severe pain, please contact your surgeon immediately.You should apply a cold pack for 24 hours after the surgery to reduce swelling and bruising. The amount of bruising varies from person to person but the peak of the bruising will during the first week and generally lasts between one and two weeks. You will be instructed on how to apply medication and clean your eyelids. The sutures will be removed two to seven days after surgery. You will begin to feel and look better 2-4 days after the surgery and especially after the sutures are removed. If the surgery was done through an incision inside the eyelid, no sutures will need to be removed.
Will there be scars?
Your scars will be pink for about six months but will gradually fade to a nearly invisible white line. Since the scars are located in hidden creases, you will barely notice them even while they are healing.
When can I expect to return to work and resume normal activities?
After two or three days, you should be able to watch television or read.You should be able to return to work and feel comfortable out in public in a week to ten days. By this time you should then be able to wear make-up to conceal any remaining bruising.Sunlight, wind, and other irritants may irritate your eyelids so you will be instructed to wear sunglasses. You should avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks.
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