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Preparing for Eyelid Surgery in Newport Beach

We do a lot of eyelid surgery in Orange County.  Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is often performed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It restores a fresh, younger appearance to the surrounding area of the eyes, giving the appearance of being more rested and alert.

In Orange County we often do eyelid surgery to treat conditions that cause excess fatty deposits that make the eyelids appear puffy as if there were bags underneath the eyes.  Eyelid surgery can also treat loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid.  These sagging eyelids can sometimes impairing vision but they can easily be treated by eyelid lift surgery. Surgery on lower eyelids can remove excess skin, droopiness and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid.

If you or someone you know is preparing for eyelid surgery or is learning more about the procedure, here are a few terms that will be helpful to know:

  • Blepharoplasty: Eyelid surgery to improve the appearance of upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both
  • Ectropion: When the lower eyelid is rolled outward after eyelid surgery; often a temporary condition.
  • General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
  • Hematoma: Blood collection beneath tissues.
  • Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
  • Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
  • Transconjunctival incision: Incision hidden inside the lower eyelid.
  • Skin resurfacing: Treatment to improve the texture, clarity and overall appearance of your skin.
  • Sutures: Stitches used by surgeons to hold skin and tissue together.

Before blepharoplasty surgery, you’ll likely get lab testing and have a medical evaluation to make sure there aren’t any medical conditions that could complicate the surgery or your recovery. Bring all your current medications and supplements to your initial consultation so that if there’s a medicine that needs to be held before or after surgery you’ll know ahead of time. If you smoke, you’ll need to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Smoking drastically increases your risk for complications during and after surgery as well as slows your healing process. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Of course if you come to see us in Orange County, we’ll go over any special instructions like what to do on the night before and the morning of surgery, the use of anesthesia during your procedure, post-operative care and follow-up.