Make that sparkle in your eyes visible again with eyelid surgery
Dr. Fadi Nukta of the UMass Memorial Cosmetic Surgery Center in Worcester, MA describes how you’ll be your best and brightest with blepharoplasty.
Dr. Nukta, why should I consider blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is actually the most popular facial surgery we perform at our center. That’s because it has the dramatic effect of making you look younger and more vital overall. When your eyes appear refreshed, alert and natural looking, you do too!
What are the types of eyelid surgery you perform?
I use upper eyelid surgery to help my patients with “over-hooding” of the eyelid and to remove puffiness that makes their eyes look tired.
Older patients tend to need upper eyelid surgery, since we are reversing what has happened over time with aging and sagging of the skin.
Lower eyelid surgery also helps with puffiness as well as droopiness under the eye. I find that conditions requiring lower eyelid surgery are hereditary, so often I treat younger people in these cases.
During your consultation at our Worcester plastic surgery center, we discuss your lifestyle and expectations and then create a plan that will bring you the best results. And, we can perform both upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time.
How should I prepare for blepharoplasty?
As with any cosmetic surgery, it’s very important to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to your scheduled procedure. You’ll also need to stop taking aspirin, herbal supplements, vitamin E and blood-thinning medication about a week before the surgery.
On the night before surgery, wipe your eyelids with makeup remover and don’t apply any makeup the day of surgery. Rest assured; our dedicated team of professionals gives you complete instructions prior to your surgery.
How long will my surgery take? Will I go home the same day?
Yes, you’ll be home and recovering the day of your surgery, which typically takes about one hour for both upper eyelids and calls for a local anesthetic.
In the case of lower eyelid surgery, the length of the procedure depends on the changes we’re making. In general, we’ll complete your plastic surgery, performed under general anesthetic, within two hours.
Is there discomfort after blepharoplasty surgery?
There may be some soreness, but not severe pain. Lower eyelid surgery tends to bring more discomfort, but any pain is easily managed with oral pain medication.
You’ll experience some bruising and swelling during the first week after cosmetic eyelid surgery, and it’s important to avoid straining, bending, heavy lifting or coughing during this time. Generally you should be able to return to most of your normal day-to-day activities within ten days.
Are there any risks associated with blepharoplasty?
As with any type of surgery, complications can arise.
At the Cosmetic Surgery Center, our first priority is your safety. Our center is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, which ensures that we meet the toughest national standards for equipment and quality and the competence of our plastic surgeons and staff.
When you schedule a procedure or a surgery at our center, you’re treated with care and concern by a team of professionals who work together to ensure your health and safety at all times. Our commitment to the highest quality care is applied to each and every procedure.
To discuss eyelid surgery with Worcester plastic surgeon, Dr. Nukta, or one of the other members of the surgical team at the Cosmetic Surgery Center, call 508-334-5990 or e-mail cosmeticsurgery@umassmemorial.org.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, www.plasticsurgery.org, for details on blepharoplasty.
