What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.

Your surgeon will begin by asking for a complete medical history, and then examine the skin and fat around your eyes. He/she may also examine your eyesight, peripheral vision, and tear ducts. You should tell him/her about any related symptoms you may have, including any dryness of the eyes, changes in vision or eye pain.

What can I expect after surgery?
After surgery, the physician will lubricate your eyes with ointment to reduce dryness in this area. Your vision may be blurred temporarily from the ointment. (Ointment is not used after transconjunctival blepharoplasty.) Correction, ointment would be probably be used in both methods.

The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with your head elevated. It will help to apply cold compresses to your eyelids. Avoid heavy compresses. Your blood pressure should be monitored to avoid bleeding complications that can affect vision. And, although you can be up almost immediately, you should limit your activities.

What is the recovery period like?
At first the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. Your sutures (stitches) will be removed sometime within the first week. The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration.

Your vision may be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You may receive eyedrops to help relieve any burning or itching.

For the first week, you’ll need to avoid activities that dry the eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer. Also avoid excessive blinking, which leads to increased swelling. You should also wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. The eyes may tire easily for several weeks; frequent naps are helpful.

For the first three or four weeks, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting, crying and sports. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready for exercise. Also avoid drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
The more alert, youthful look that this surgery provides is usually long lasting. Thin scars may remain slightly pink for six months or so, but can easily be concealed with makeup. They eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The removal of fat is permanent, but the looseness of the skin and fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may return in the future.

Even though the aging process continues, patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements at a later time. If continued loss of skin tone in the forehead later causes sagging of the eyebrows, a forehead lift or second eyelid procedure may be performed.