What should I expect the day of surgery?

 

An eyelid lift is typically an outpatient, or day surgery, allowing you to recover at home following surgery.  Eyelid lifting surgeries are commonly done in an ambulatory surgery center.  Dr. Repp will work with you to customize a plan to help keep you comfortable during surgery.  Most patients receive medication to help maintain general comfort during the procedure (IV sedation).  They will also get medication to anesthetize the eyelids.  

 

Surgery of both upper eyelids is commonly performed at the same time, allowing removal of the excess eyelid tissue on both sides during the same surgery.  Some patients will elect to have surgery on their lower eyelids at the same time to treat lower eyelid bags.  Health insurance typically does not cover the cost of lower eyelid surgery, but many patients still elect to have it done at the same time, so they only need one recovery.  Dr. Repp will work with you at your initial office visit to determine if additional procedures, such as lower eyelid surgery, are a good fit for you.  

 

After surgery, most patients will return home the same day for recovery

 

 

Can you tell me about the recovery and aftercare?

 

Each patient is unique, so Dr. Repp will customize an after-care plan for you, but some general guidelines follow.  Ask Dr. Repp if these apply to you before following any of the recommendations on this website.  And if something does not seem right, do not hesitate to call Dr. Repp.

 

Most patients will use frequent cool compresses for the first two days after surgery.  During this time, Dr. Repp will likely ask you to limit activity, commonly recommending that you avoid any heavy lifting or bending.  These activities can stress your surgery site and set back your healing.  Following surgery, most patients experience only mild-to-moderate discomfort that can often be effectively treated at home with medications recommended by Dr. Repp.  If you experience more than mild pain or discomfort, you should call Dr. Repp immediately.  You will also need regular ointment on your incision line.  The ointment acts as a salve, soothing your eyelids as you heal.  

 

Many patients wonder when they can safely return to work or other normal activities.  There is no single answer because every patient is different, so ask Dr. Repp for details.  The same is true for when patients can return to wearing their contact lenses, although many patients can begin wearing their soft contact lenses within two weeks and their hard lenses within one month.  Check with Dr. Repp to see if these guidelines apply to you.  Lastly, Dr. Repp will place sutures during your surgery.  Typically, these are removed between one-to-two weeks following surgery.  Please ask Dr. Repp if you have any further questions.