The Seattle Eyelid And Blepharoplasty Center Patient's Complete Guide To Blepharoplasty©
copywrited William Portuese MD, 2007/8
BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)
BLEPHAROPLASTY PERFORMED AT THE SAME TIME AS OTHER PROCEDURES
Dr. Portuese performs blepharoplasty in addition to other procedures simultaneously in the Surgery Center. Very frequently, he will perform a rhinoplasty with eyelids and/or a facelift at the same time eyelids and blepharoplasty is performed. This does not create added complications and these surgeries compliment each other for a full facial rejuvenation.
RECOVERY ROOM
Once the blepharoplasty surgery has been completed, patients are taken to the recovery room, where they stay for approximately one hour. Vital signs are monitored and observed closely by the anesthesiologist and our attending registered nurses. Patients feel a bit drowsy while they are in the recovery room, but that soon dissipates. Patients are typically discharged to home in the care of a responsible adult who drives them home and helps them through their postoperative recovery and convalescence. There is usually little to no pain following a blepharoplasty, but some patients complain of a mild burning sensation or headache in the first day or so after their surgery. The patient's eyes will be quite tired in the postoperative phase for the first week, so trying to read can be difficult.
POSTOPERATIVE ANESTHESIA SIDE EFFECTS
A few patients experience postoperative nausea and vomiting after their blepharoplasty surgery. This can be the result of the anesthesia or the narcotic pain pills. These are the two most common reasons that cause nausea and vomiting in the postoperative period. For this, Dr. Portuese gives anti-nausea medication during the time of the surgery to help prevent any further postoperative nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, patients will need additional pills in the postoperative phase within the first day. Occasionally, patients complain of a sore throat and dry mouth, which is related to the anesthesia. Once patients are awake and resting in the recovery room, they are discharged to home in stable condition with their responsible caretaker.
POSTOPERATIVE BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE
After blepharoplasty surgery, patients tend to feel more energetic and their eyes look better. For the first week or two, it is very common for the eyes to be tired. It takes approximately two weeks for the majority of the bruising and swelling to subside in the postoperative phase. There is usually still some mild residual swelling and bruising around the eyelids, even after two weeks, but this can be camouflaged with makeup. Full healing takes approximately two to three months for the final result. After leaving the Seattle Eyelid and Blepharoplasty Surgery Center, patients will begin their recovery at home in a stress-free comfortable environment. Most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within two weeks after their surgery, including exercising and going back to school or work. The postoperative instructions are designed with patients in mind to help minimize any complications; swelling, pain, and/or discomfort in the postoperative recovery healing phase. The instructions are given to the responsible caretaker and are reviewed with them in the recovery room prior to the discharge.
