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    Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon

    Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon

    Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Surgery Plastic SurgeonEyelid lift cosmetic surgery is a sensitive procedure because it involves the eyes, which are the most delicate external body organ. Patients should have a clear idea about the potential aesthetic benefits of eyelid surgery before they go ahead with it.

    During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will address the patient’s questions, doubts and concerns to help them make a well-informed decision.

    The patient should preferably prepare a checklist of questions in advance. This will ensure that they do not forget ask pertinent question during their consultation with the surgeon. ABPS board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities and towns across the horizon.

    List of Questions

    The patient’s list of questions to ask during the initial consultation for eyelid surgery may include:

    • Are you a board certified plastic surgeon, and if yes, from which board?
    • How many years of training and experience in plastic surgery do you have?
    • Have you performed facial procedures such as eyelid surgery before, and what has been your success rate?
    • Will my eyes appear wider and more alert after blepharoplasty?
    • Will you perform the surgery using local or general anesthesia?
    • Should I choose upper or lower blepharoplasty or both?
    • Are there any less invasive or non-invasive treatment options to rejuvenate the eyelids?
    • What are the potential risks and complications that I should know of?
    • Can you provide me with testimonials of past patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery procedures at your practice?
    • Can I have access to a few eyelid surgery before and after photos?
    • What kind of specific preparation will I need to make before the eyelid surgery?
    • Are there any lifestyle changes or medication adjustments I will be required to make?
    • For how many years can the effects of blepharoplasty usually sustain?
    • Do you have an office policy regarding revision procedures, if the primary results are not as per what we agreed upon?
    • If some people in my family have puffy eyelids, is there a chance that I may get the same?
    • Are there any medical conditions that could rule out my candidacy for blepharoplasty?
    • How long it will take inside the operating room to perform the procedure?
    • How much will be the estimated downtime following the surgery?
    • Which surgical venue would you recommend to perform my surgery?
    • Do you have staff privileges at one or more local hospitals?
    • What will be the estimated cost of eyelid surgery?
    • Are there any additional costs before and after the surgery, apart from the costs that your office has quoted?
    • How long will it be before the full results of blepharoplasty appear and the complete swelling subsides?
    • Is it possible to have insurance coverage for this procedure?
    • Can your office staff guide me about the financing options for this procedure? Can I have time to work out these calculations? Can my insurance company call you for verification and for any other reasons?

    Prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other towns and suburbs in this region of the southwest for eyelid surgery.

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    Preparing for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

     

    Preparing for Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)After a patient has made the decision to undergo eyelid lift plastic surgery, they will need to do some preparation in advance. A comprehensive preparation plan, according to the surgeon’s advice, will lead to a safer and more successful procedure with favorable results.

    During the pre-operative consultation, the patient should closely interact with the plastic surgeon and follow their instructions and suggestions.

    They should ask questions wherever they have any concerns during the preparation phase. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

    Weeks before the Surgery

    In case the patient smokes, the surgeon will ask them to quit smoking for a few weeks prior to the eyelid surgery. The patient will have to continue to avoid smoking post-surgery as well for a few days as smoking can interfere with the flow of blood and create impediments in the healing process. The patient should reduce their alcohol consumption a few days prior to the eyelid procedure.

    If the patient takes blood thinners such as aspirin or vitamin E supplements, they will have to stop taking these for a minimum of 1 to 2 weeks prior to the eyelid procedure. The patient will also have to avoid taking certain herbal supplements such as ginseng during the preparation stage to decrease the risk of bleeding.

    Furthermore, the surgeon may make adjustments to the schedule of specific prescription medications in consultation with the physician. They may recommend safer alternatives for certain medicines. In the weeks prior to the procedure, the patient should consume a well-balanced diet and include more lean proteins in their diet.

    Advance Arrangements

    To ensure that the initial recovery phase is comfortable, the patient can undertake some basic preparatory steps in advance. The patient should stock up on the following necessary items at home before the procedure:

    • Groceries for the first week after the surgery
    • Ice cubes
    • Extra pillows to elevate the head
    • Clean bowl for cold water
    • Bottle of artificial tears
    • Plastic bags to make ice packs
    • Sterile gauze pads

    The patient should arrange for a responsible person to drive them home post-surgery. They may also require a friend or relative to stay with them for the initial 1 or 2 days after the eyelid lift plastic surgery. Alternatively, the patient could consider hiring a professional nurse to help them with aftercare.

    For about eight hours prior to the surgery, the patient should not eat or drink anything (if the procedure is to be performed using general anesthesia). They should get sufficient sleep and make sure that they are well-rested on the night prior to the procedure. The surgeon may also prescribe a calming medicine to address any anxiety before the surgery. 

    The Day of Surgery

    The following suggestions can help on the day of the procedure:     

    • Wash hair and eyebrows properly
    • Do not wear any cosmetics or makeup
    • Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry or false eyelashes
    • Wear clothes that are comfortable and loose

    The patient may take necessary prescription meds in consultation with the surgeon on the morning of the surgery. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other cities and communities in this section of The Golden State for eyelid surgery.

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    Your Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) Consultation

    Your Eyelid Surgery (blepharoplasty) ConsultationAn intricate plastic surgery procedure such as eyelid lift should start with a detailed consultation to ensure predictable and safe results.

    The process of consultation will assist in the development of a roadmap for effective eyelid surgery. It will also help the surgeon design an individualized surgical plan as per the particular anatomical and aesthetic needs of the patient.

    The patient should utilize the consultation process to ask questions and express any concerns that they may have regarding the procedure.

    Furthermore, it is a chance for the surgeon and the patient to develop a good rapport with one another. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.

    Patient Education

    A primary concern for the surgeon during the consultation process will be to inform the patient on various facets of eyelid lift plastic surgery and highlight the best available treatment alternatives and techniques. The patient should have a clear understanding of the potential risks and advantages of the surgery, the steps involved in the procedure, and get information on the approximate costs, financing, and insurance.

    Cosmetic Goal Setting

    During the consultation for eyelid surgery, one of the first things that the surgeon would like to understand is the reason why the patient wants to undergo this procedure. Once the surgeon understands what exactly about their eye appearance may be bothering the patient, they can incorporate the patient’s inputs into the customized surgical plan for an eyelid procedure.

    The surgeon’s goal will be to perform a targeted surgery that is less invasive and yet meets the patient’s goals more effectively.

    Developing Expectations

    The surgeon will help the patient develop realistic expectations from the eyelid lift procedure. Some surgeons prefer to present eyelid surgery before and after images at the initial consultation.

    The patient can carefully review the photos to get a fair idea of what the procedure can or cannot do for them. In some cases, the patient may combine eyelid lift with brow lift surgery to achieve their desired aesthetic goals and expectations.

    Health Evaluation

    The surgeon will assess the patient’s medical records and review their overall health condition. They will assess the patient’s eye structure, level of skin laxity in the upper and lower lids, the extent of depressions and dark circles below the eyelids, type of skin, and any symptoms of an untreated condition.

    The patient should be completely honest with the surgeon regarding their smoking behaviors as well as prescription or non-prescription medications that they may be taking presently. They should tell the surgeon if they have received an eye procedure in the past such as LASIK surgery.

    Pre- and Post-operative Care Guidelines

    During the initial consultation, the surgeon will offer preparatory and post-operative recovery care guidelines to the patient. In case the patient smokes, the surgeon will ask them to quit smoking for at least a particular duration before and after the eyelid procedure. The surgeon may make adjustments to the schedule of some medications that the patient currently uses in consultation with the doctor.

    Committed cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and neighboring areas and cities in this region of The Golden State for blepharoplasty.

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    Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And Safety

    Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And SafetyAlthough eyelid lift plastic surgery is a delicate procedure as it involves the eyes, the risk of complications is significantly reduced when a fully trained and experienced surgeon performs the surgery. The procedure is comparatively less invasive than other facial procedures. It typically involves the use of only local anesthesia and mild sedation.

    The patient should diligently follow pre- and post-operative care guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

    During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks and help the patient make an informed decision. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and towns in this area of SoCal.

    Serious Complications

    Certain serious complications could possibly occur during or after the eyelid surgical procedure such as ectropian, hematoma, and retinal detachment. But the rate of occurrence of such complications is very low.

    Ectropian involves a drooping tendency that leads the lower lid to become inverted. In such instances, the patient will require revision surgery to address this condition.

    Accumulation of surplus blood and fluid underneath the skin in the incision sites is called hematoma. This risk may heighten if the eyelid lift plastic surgery is performed along with other facial surgical procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. The surgeon will insert small drainage tubes beneath the skin for some days to drain out surplus fluid and decrease the chances of the patient developing hematoma.

    In rare instances, the retina may get detached from the outer eye layers, leading to a retinal detachment. Holes or tears in the retina may cause this to occur. Retinal detachment will warrant additional surgery to correct this condition.

    Minor Post-Operative Complications

    Specific patients may experience one or more of the below-mentioned minor complications post eyelid surgery:

    • Blurred or double vision
    • Infection
    • Issues in keeping the eyes closed during sleep
    • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
    • Whiteheads formation post suture removal
    • Burning sensation in the eyes
    • Noticeable scarring
    • Excessive tearing

    A majority of such post-surgical symptoms will usually resolve in some days. However, in case the patient experiences major discomfort, they may seek further treatment. The complications will be irreversible only in rare circumstances.

    Side-Effects

    Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation

    During the initial post-op period, slight irritation and soreness may occur in incision sites. The patient may experience tightness or pain in the eyelids initially as the effect of anesthesia subsides. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the first week after the procedure.

    Inflammation

    The patient can expect some level of inflammation in the first week after the surgery. Cold compresses or ice therapy can be used in the initial 2 or 3 days to reduce swelling. Additionally, the patient should keep their head in an upright position for the initial few days.

    Scarring

    In a majority of eyelid surgery cases, scarring is minimal. If the surgeon places the incisions within the lower eyelid, the scars will not be visible from outside. Prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and neighboring areas for blepharoplasty.

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