Choosing to undergo plastic surgery can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) patients here in Washington, DC, often ask what they need to know before going under the knife. While there is little to fear, knowing more about the procedure can help you feel more comfortable and confident. If you want to improve saggy skin, that creates a tired look, and brighten up your eye area, here’s what you should keep in mind before eyelid surgery.
Find out if your surgeon is board-certified.
When it comes to plastic surgery, you deserve nothing but the best. Begin your journey by doing plenty of research about both the procedure and your doctor. Many blog posts will share tips and tricks about what to expect from the surgery and how to best approach the recovery process, but they’re skipping an essential element: your doctor’s credentials. You should also review your doctor’s CV and check that they have the right education and training.
When looking for plastic surgeons, always look for “board certification” by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is a prestigious designation that means your doctor successfully completed many years of study and training. You can also browse before-and-after pictures to see examples of real patient results. Seeing appealing case studies from your doctor can give you some peace of mind before surgery.
Have a positive attitude and realistic expectations.
Eyelid surgery can lift sagging skin, reduce puffiness, and fade the appearance of fine lines. However, plastic surgery isn’t meant to change your face completely. Instead, it’s meant to enhance your natural beauty and make you look like a younger version of yourself.
Adopt a positive attitude and realistic expectations before heading into surgery. While blepharoplasty won’t make you look like a different person, it can certainly help you look more youthful and well-rested. Combining eyelid surgery with a facelift or a brow lift is a great option for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. We offer outpatient surgery at our Northern Virginia Location with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Know what to expect from the recovery process.
Any plastic surgery procedure comes with a bit of downtime. It’s good to know what to expect after your eyelid surgery so you can give your body the support it needs.
After the procedure, many patients experience mild bruising, tenderness, and swelling. These side effects can be treated by using a cold compress when needed. You can also try resting with your head elevated to make sleeping a bit more comfortable. You will be provided with minimal pain medication to use after your procedure.
Do not wear makeup or contacts during recovery, and be sure to follow any post-op instructions given by your doctor. This is the best way to reduce the risk of irritation and infection and allow you to enjoy your results as soon as possible. Generally, you’ll be able to return to an in-person work environment in 1-2 weeks, whereas online video calls can presume in 2-3 days.
If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty and plastic surgery in the Washington, DC, area, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice offices by phone at (703) 560-2850 (Annandale, VA) or (301) 652-7700 (Chevy Chase, MD).