A facelift done in tandem with eye lift surgery, or blepharoplasty gives our patients a fresh, alert but natural look that makes people believe they’ve just returned from a very relaxing vacation. Facelift surgery tightens and re-drapes skin, removes unwanted fat and improves sagging areas in the middle of the face. Eye lift surgery treats drooping eyelids and removes bags under the eyes by taking away excess fat and skin. As with all surgeries, there are things the patient needs to do to prepare.
Consultation
Before either procedure, our patient has a consultation with one of our surgeons. The surgeon assesses the patient’s medical history and discusses their goals. The surgeon also evaluates the patient’s bone structure and their skin tone. Facelifts are more successful if the patient still has good skin tone and their skin is still somewhat supple. A consultation for eye lift surgery is similar, and the surgeon will ask if the patient has any problems that affect their eyes such as glaucoma, high blood pressure, diabetes or dry eye.
Our surgeon may ask that the patient stop the use of certain medications, vitamins and supplements and give up smoking in the weeks before the surgery. Some medications interfere with the healing process. Smoking definitely does.
The doctor lets the patient know if they should fast the night before the surgery. They should arrive at the hospital wearing loose fitting clothes but not wearing makeup or jewelry.
The Facelift Procedures
There are several types of facelift procedures. The patient can opt for a facelift that is deeper than usual and pulls back muscles and connective tissue in both the face and the neck or a partial facelift that corrects lines in the forehead.
Blepharoplasty can treat the lower or upper eyelid. Incisions are made at the natural crease of the eye, so scarring is minimal.
The facelift procedure takes between two and three hours and is an inpatient procedure, so the patient should prepare to spend at least one night in the hospital. They’ll need someone to drive them home, and stay with them for a day or two. Before they leave the hospital, the patient is given instructions about caring for the surgical wounds and a date for a follow-up appointment.The patient will want to sleep with their head elevated for the first two or three days. Ice packs and pain medications ease the discomfort, and lessen the swelling from the surgery. The doctor removes the stitches five to 10 days after the operation. It may take as long as six months for the swelling to go away completely and for the beautiful results of the facelift to be seen.
Expect some swelling and bruising around the eyes after blepharoplasty, but they can be eased with cold compresses applied with some pressure. The patient should avoid makeup and not wear contact lenses for about two weeks. They shouldn’t drive again until their vision is normal.
Call Today for a Consultation
If you’re interested in a facelift procedure or eyelid surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation with our wonderful staff.
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*Individual results may vary.
