Blepharoplasty

with Dr. Thomassen

What is a Blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty is procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.  It gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested, less tired, and alert. Dr. Thomassen performs blepharoplasty procedures in his Fort Lauderdale Surgical Center.

What are the different types of Blepharoplasties?

Upper Lid Blepharoplasty

Who is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?

Good candidates for a blepharoplasty are adult men and women of any age that are concerned about significant signs of aging around the eyes, including excess skin and bulging fat pads.

Preparing for your Blepharoplasty procedure

The key to a successful blepharoplasty surgery lies in a thorough preoperative evaluation.  For your medical history, Dr. Thomassen will inquire about your ocular medical conditions, prior ocular procedures and medications taken.   Any conditions that may pose a risk to a successful outcome will be addressed.

Medications

Any medications that may result in excess bleeding will need to be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.  These include anticoagulants like aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.  Tylenol is safe to take prior to surgery.  You need to provide us with a list of homeopathic medications taken as these could have an adverse effect on wound healing and bleeding.

Smoking

A history of smoking or vaping is very important to report as this could adversely affect your wound healing as well.   In general it is safest to stop smoking for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.

Physical Exam

Dr. Thomassen will examine you to determine how best to undergo the surgery.  Key examination information is the presence of any upper lid ptosis, scarring from prior procedures, lower lid lag, presence of herniated fat pads, and poor eyelid tone.

Preoperative Clearance

Dr. Thomassen will recommend the appropriate preoperative workup required according to your medical history.  This workup usually involves an evaluation by a primary care doctor to ensure you are in an optimal state for surgery.  This includes laboratory evaluation.  If there are any abnormal findings from your workup, Dr. Thomassen will call you and discuss how to proceed.

Days before Surgery

  • Avoid strenuous exercise in the days leading up to your surgery.  You should be well rested leading up to your surgery date.  Also avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • Refrain from alcohol the week before surgery.
  • Stop using skin irritants on your face 1 week before surgery, including light peels, acne medication, and retinoic acid.
  • Pick up your prescriptions with plenty of time before your procedure.  Set up a comfortable recovery area at home and plan your meals including a light clear liquid meal for the first night.
  • Plan for someone to be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
  • You will receive a call from our Operating Room Nurse a few days before your procedure to go over the consent and any preoperative details and instructions to make sure you are ready for surgery.
  • You will recieve a call from our Anesthesia Provider the day before surgery to go over your medications and discuss details about your anesthesia.
  • Use antibacterial soap when showering the day before surgery.
  • Remove any piercings or jewelry you may have before coming in for the procedure.

What to expect the day of surgery

The day of surgery you will arrive at our office at the appointed time.  Wear something loose and comfortable that you can wear during the procedure.

You will meet the surgical team, including a preop nurse and anesthesia provider.  Dr. Thomassen will answer any final questions you may have regarding the procedure and do some markings.

What Anesthesia is Used for a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

Most of these procedures are performed under local anesthesia in the office. An oral sedative is frequently administered as well to help relax you during the procedure. Oral sedation includes the use of oral Valium.

If the procedure is a lower lid blepharoplasty and/or combined with other procedures, IV sedation may be used.  The IV sedation medications used include Versed, Propofol, and Fentanyl.  Local anesthesia will  ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.  When you wake up after IV Sedation, you should feel comfortable, without the nausea that accompanies general anesthesia.

How long does a Blepharoplasty take?

An upper lid blepharoplasty takes approximately 30-45 minutes.   A lower lid blepharoplasty takes about 1 hour to perform.  Both procedures together take about 1 1/w hours to complete.

If done with IV sedation,  when you wake up you should be comfortable.  Cold compresses will be placed in the recovery area to diminish swelling and bruising post.  You will be able to go home after you meet criteria for discharge. Dr. Thomassen will call you the evening of the surgery to ensure you are doing well.

What is the Recovery like for a Blepharoplasty?

After surgery you will recover comfortably at home.  You will be given instructions on how to use cold compresses, ointments, and antibiotics.  Dr. Thomassen will follow up with you by phone to ensure your recovery is as expected.

Your first follow up with Dr. Thomassen will be 1 week after surgery. Your incisions should be healed and Dr. Thomassen will remove any sutures.

You should not plan to undertake any strenuous exercise for at least 3 weeks after surgery. Light walking is fine the first week and you can gradually increase excercise as you feel better.

At 2 weeks, you will have another follow up to ensure your recovery is as expected. Your final eyelid surgery results will be evident at this time.

Common questions regarding facelifts

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you’re considering plastic surgery, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. John Michael Thomassen has the training, experience, and caring to provide you with excellent care. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need.