How to Make the Most of Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, so why simply tolerate the signs of aging? If droopy eyelids or puffy under-eye bags mean those windows are looking a little old and tired, you may be considering eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can reduce the effects of aging and any obstruction they’re causing to your vision, leaving you with a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Of course, before you go ahead with the procedure, you’ll need to book a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon; these questions can help you make the most of it.

What Eyelid Surgery Experience Do You Have?

It’s a simple question, but a very important one to ask. During your consultation, you should make sure that your cosmetic surgeon has extensive eyelid surgery experience, not to mention being board-certified. Look for a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who focuses on eyelid surgery.

Can You Show Me Before & After Eyelid Surgery Photos?

As well as knowing that your cosmetic surgeon is experienced and qualified to perform your eyelid surgery, another of your questions should involve the results they achieve. You may well find that your final choice of cosmetic surgeon comes down to the one whose work you find most aesthetically pleasing. Be sure you ask for (and are shown) plenty of before and after photos showing real patients on whom your surgeon has performed eyelid surgery.

[pullquote]Don’t underestimate the important of working with a cosmetic surgeon you’re at ease with, as being comfortable asking questions is essential. [/pullquote]

Is Eyelid Surgery Permanent?

Although your eyelid surgery can deliver long-term results, nothing can permanently stop the aging process. No matter what cosmetic surgery you opt for, your body will naturally continue to age, so you can expect results to change somewhat over time. That’s not to say that you won’t still see a long-lasting improvement, but you should be aware that even the best board-certified cosmetic surgeon can’t quite freeze time.

Should I Choose Upper Eyelid Surgery, Lower Eyelid Surgery or Brow Lift?

Perhaps all three? One of the main aims of your consultation is to allow your board-certified cosmetic surgeon to assess your individual circumstances, your eligibility for eyelid surgery and how best to tackle the eyelid-related woes that are bothering you.

Your cosmetic surgeon should be happy to answer your questions during your consultation but, in general, upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery deal with sagging, droopiness and puffiness, whereas a brow lift focuses on a fallen forehead. You may also find that your cosmetic surgeon recommends some complementary non-surgical procedures to boost your results, like BOTOX®.

Will I Need a General Anesthetic?

Eyelid surgery can be performed using either general or local anesthesia, making this an excellent addition to your list of consultation questions. Use your consultation as an opportunity to reassure yourself about all the details involved with eyelid surgery, including the anesthetic that your cosmetic surgeon intends to use. One of your cosmetic surgeon’s jobs is to address any concerns you may have to help you feel relaxed about your upcoming procedure.

How Long Will Recovery Take after Eyelid Surgery?

The specifics of recovery will vary from person to person, but your cosmetic surgeon should give you some guidelines as to what you can expect. Normally, any bruising or discomfort tends to clear within the first week to 10 days, although your final results will take time to develop. During your consultation, you should be provided with post-surgical instructions and following these can help you enjoy a smooth recovery.