You might not feel tired or old, but your droopy eyelids might tell another story. One way to revitalize your eyes and reduce the tired look is to undergo eyelid surgery.

Depending on your specific concern, you might benefit from surgery on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or on both. No matter what type of surgery you receive, there are a few ways to make sure you get the most out of it.

Prepare

Preparation before eyelid surgery will help get you a better result and will make recovery less of a hassle. The first step to preparing for the procedure is scheduling a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon. At the consultation, the surgeon will examine your eye area and let you know if he or she recommends the surgery, or not, and will let you know whether an upper or lower eyelid surgery is most appropriate.

Your surgeon will most likely give you some pointers at the consultation about ways you can get ready for the procedure. For example, you’ll be told to quit smoking, if you’re a smoker, at least two weeks before surgery. You’ll also be advised to avoid cigarettes or tobacco for another few weeks after your surgery.

You might want to make some slight adjustments to your habits to boost your health in the weeks leading up to surgery, too. For example, improving your diet and making an effort to eat foods high in vitamins and minerals might be advised. Your surgeon will also most likely recommend that you avoid certain medications and certain supplements in the weeks before surgery, as some drugs and supplements can increase your risk for bleeding or complications.

Manage Expectations

You’ll get the most out of surgery if you have a fair idea of what to expect from it. Your surgeon will give you a good sense of how long it will take to recover from the procedure, how much bruising or swelling you’ll have, and how the surgery will alter your appearance. It can be helpful to look at pictures of previous patients, before and after their surgeries, to get an idea of what you can expect.

Follow Instructions

Your surgeon will most likely give you a list of instructions for before the surgery and for after it, as well. It’s important to follow the directions given to you, to the letter. For example, a common instruction is to keep the head elevated after surgery. Lifting the head up and sitting propped up will help minimize swelling and bruising, as it gives the fluid a chance to drain. It’s also important to take your surgeon’s advice about exercising and other activities after your surgery.

Let Your Eyes Rest

After any other type of facial plastic surgery, such as rhinoplasty or facelift, settling into a recliner in front of the television might seem like a great way to spend a considerable portion of your recovery. But, after eyelid surgery, letting your eyes rest is important. Your eyes will most likely be very sensitive after the surgery, and might even be dry and more likely to become irritated. To reduce any irritation, give your eyes a break.

Avoid any activities that require actively using your eyes, such as watching television, browsing social media, or reading a book or magazine. Instead, you might want to try listening to podcasts or audiobooks.

It’s also a good idea to hold off on using makeup, at least for until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead. Using eye makeup too soon can irritate the eyes or can discolor the healing incisions. If you usually wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your surgeon says it’s all right to start wearing contacts again.

Call on Friends and Family

The first few days and weeks after your eyelid surgery is a great time to turn to your close friends and family members for support. You’ll need to recruit someone not only to bring you home after the surgery, but to stay with you for the first day or so. Having friends and loved ones nearby as you recover can also make the healing time a little more bearable and a little less boring.

It’s a good idea to set up visits during your recovery before you have surgery, so that you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of time alone or about having to track down people should you need any assistance as you recuperate.

Planning and preparing for your eyelid surgery will help you get the most from the procedure. In the Virginia Beach area, Dr. Kyle Choe can answer any questions you might have about preparation for, recovering from, and what to expect generally from the surgery. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Choe, call his practice at 757.389.5850 today.