BLEPHAROPLASTY

If you are in good health and have realistic goals for your surgery, you will be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. Most of the time, this treatment is used for cosmetic purposes. However, surgery on the upper lids can remove excess skin that causes droopy eyelids.

As with any cosmetic or plastic surgery, you should visit with your plastic surgeon. As you meet together, you should review how this surgery will help you as well as your medical history. Make sure you review your aesthetic goals for your surgery and how your surgeon can help you meet them.

A blepharoplasty should only be performed by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Robert Garza carries two board certifications, one from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one from the American Board of Surgery.

It’s important to note that after your surgery, there will be swelling around your eyelids. This can make it hard for you to see and hard to drive home. You should ask a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery.

In order to reduce the risk of side effects, you should stop taking medications that make you more prone to bleeding, such as blood thinners. Depending on your current health, you might need to start taking other medications as well.

If you smoke, you will need to quit at least four weeks before your surgery. 

As a minimally invasive surgery, recovery should only take you a few days. However, because this surgery is around a sensitive area, you should plan on resting for at least a full three days after the procedure.

At Garza Plastic Surgery, we offer blepharoplasties as an outpatient procedure. So, once the procedure is done and you’ve stabilized, you will be free to go home. For your comfort, you may want to have your friend or family member stay the night with you.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

During recovery, you will most likely experience swelling around your eyelids. This can be treated with cold compresses and ointments. There can also be some bruising that happens, but it will go away as you follow your recovery instructions.

The eyelid skin itself may become irritated, which can also be treated with soothing ointments. You may also be prescribed oral medications to help you heal.

Your eyes may also become itchy or irritated, which can be treated with eye drops. If you normally wear contact lenses, you won’t be able to wear them until your eyelids have healed. Make sure you have a pair of prescription glasses ready to wear until you can resume wearing contacts again.

Aftercare

Proper postoperative care is crucial for achieving the best results and minimizing complications. Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific instructions, which may include:

1. Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising in the initial days after surgery.
2. Taking Medications: Using prescribed eye drops, ointments, and oral medications as directed for pain management, preventing infection, and reducing inflammation.
3. Wound Care: Keeping the surgical site clean and following wound care instructions to minimize the risk of infection.
4. Rest and Avoiding Activities: Taking sufficient time to rest and avoid strenuous activities, which can help with healing and minimize the risk of complications.
5. Protecting Eyes: Wearing sunglasses and avoiding direct sun exposure to protect the eyes during the healing period.
6. Follow-Up Appointments: Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure that healing is progressing well and to address any concerns.

What are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?

Like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with potential risks and complications. While these risks are generally low, it’s important to be aware of them before undergoing surgery. Possible risks and complications of blepharoplasty include:

1. Asymmetry: Achieving perfect symmetry is challenging, and some degree of asymmetry is natural. However, significant asymmetry may require corrective procedures.
2. Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness or irritation of the eyes is common after surgery. This is usually managed with lubricating eye drops.
3. Change in Sensation: The eyelids may experience altered sensation, such as numbness or increased sensitivity. This is usually temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.
4. Vision Changes: Although rare, changes in vision can occur due to surgical complications affecting the eyelid’s position or function.
5. Anesthesia Risks: There can be some risks associated with anesthesia, which we can address in your consultation. Make sure you know whether or not you have any allergies to anesthesia. 
6. Healing Complications: Additionally, there can be some bleeding that happens around the incisions. Infection is another possible risk. After the surgery, your eyelids may have difficulty closing. The lower eyelid can sometimes experience drooping, or a condition called ectropion, which causes the skin to roll slightly outward.

If you have any questions about these risks, they will be addressed in your consultation.

What About Scarring?

The scarring associated with blepharoplastic surgery is very minimal. We can make the incisions right under the eyelash line, in order to hide the scars. Advances with the procedure have also allowed us to make tiny incisions under the skin of the eyelid, with no outward scarring.

Can You Combine Eyelid Surgery with other Cosmetic Procedures?

Yes, you can! Because a blepharoplasty is very localized, we can easily perform additional procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or make it a part of a mommy makeover.

How Much Does a Blepharoplasty Cost in Nashville, TN?

The cost of blepharoplasty can vary based on factors such as the surgeon’s expertise, geographical location, facility fees, and whether both upper and lower eyelids are being treated. It’s essential for patients to discuss costs during the consultation. Points to consider include:

• Consultation Fees
• Procedure Cost
• Health Insurance
• Financing Options

We’ve moved to Sylvan Park. Our office is now in the building on the corner of Charlotte Ave and 42nd Ave N. So, if you live in the Nashville, TN area and are looking for aesthetic solutions, come visit us. We offer many types of plastic surgery, including reconstructive surgery and aesthetic options like tummy tucks and liposuction.

We also have the unique benefit of having a registered aesthetician on our staff. Come visit with Tracey Robinson, and she can help you find the best skincare options for you.