Eyelid Surgery and Brow Lift Process
These are surgical procedures, so there is some level of preparation and downtime involved. Here is what you can expect when getting eyelid surgery or a brow lift at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery.
Preparation
We will begin by scheduling your consultation with one of our surgeons. During your first consultation, the surgeon will take a careful look at your eye and brow area and talk to you about your expectations. They will review your medical history to see if you are a candidate and determine which approach will work for you.
In the week leading up to surgery, you should discontinue blood-thinning drugs and supplements. We also advise patients to quit smoking and avoid alcohol a month before their procedure, as both interfere with healing. If you are taking antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication, you will need to contact your doctor about safely discontinuing these medications a week before surgery.
Because you will be given anesthesia for your procedure, it is important to arrange for someone to drive you back home. You will need to take a week or two off from work and social activities.
Treatment
Before treatment, your surgeon will mark areas as guidance. You will then be given local anesthesia with sedation or, if necessary, placed under general anesthesia.
Your surgeon will perform one or more techniques to remove excess skin and fat or to reposition the skin, fat and muscle to create a youthful eyelid and brow. Our surgeons aim to preserve as much tissue as possible during these procedures, as this approach yields more favorable results. The procedure should take one to three hours to complete.
Recovery and Results
You will be discharged from the hospital on the day of your treatment and start your recovery process at home. The treatment area will be swollen, slightly bruised and sore. It can take one to four weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside. Keeping your head elevated and applying a cold compress can reduce swelling.
Your surgeon will stay in touch with you during the recovery process. You will need to come back for a follow-up appointment after seven to 10 days to have your stitches removed. Your results will show in two weeks and be finalized in six months when the tissue has completely healed.
When full healing is reached, your eye creases will look more proportioned, your under-eye area smoother, your brows naturally lifted and your forehead lines will be less noticeable. The results will last you for years, if not your lifetime.
