Eyelid Lift

Bags under your eyes. Bags over your eyes. Either--or both--can result in a look that can only be described as tired and bedraggled. Even some people in their 30s have baggy lids, as a result from their genetics.

WHAT DOES AN EYELID LIFT ACCOMPLISH?
You may need both upper and lower--or you may want only one or the other. With a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), Dr. Aguilar corrects baggy lids that sometimes hamper vision (at worst) or simply look unappealing. The method he uses leaves no scars on the outer skin.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Although this surgery doesn't take long, it does leave your eye area bruised and swollen for a few days. You may have some soreness around the incisions that can be remedied with pain medication. After 24 hours, you can control discomfort with Tylenol. Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) or any ibuprofen derivative for several weeks before and after surgery (these drugs can sometimes increase bleeding). Due to ointments and swelling, you may experience blurred vision for up to 48 hours. If you have increased sensitivity to sun and wind, wear sunglasses for a few weeks. You may experience some slight itchiness around the eyes. Avoid wearing makeup for five days. If you had your lower lids done, there will be a fine incision under the lower lashes that is undetectable.

HOW WILL I FEEL?
You may feel slightly "down" after surgery--a common after effect of anesthesia. Avoid looking in the mirror constantly to check out your results. Allow time for healing and then scrutinize your face. Bruising subsides in 10-15 days. After Dr. Aguilar removes stitches, you can use makeup to camouflage any remaining discoloration 24 hours later. Do so gently, however, especially around stitches. Similarly, you should be careful when you remove your makeup. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during healing. Your skin might develop a darker pigment over the bruised area, resulting in permanent discoloration. Don't be surprised if one side of your face swells and bruises more than the other. Also, it's not uncommon for scars initially to look pink and ragged on the edges. Around upper eyelid incisions, you may see small cysts that look like whiteheads. These temporary conditions disappear with healing.

HOW CAN I SPEED HEALING?
To decrease swelling quickly, don't just lie in bed. Get up and stay up. But don't lift anything heavy or bend for two weeks. Use cold compresses on lids the first 24 hours after surgery. But don't put ice directly on your eyes--or use an ice bag. Dip a sterile gauze pad in ice water, squeeze excess out, and place over lids. You can use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or overly sensitive. But you shouldn't use Visine, Murine, or other OTC items (the alcohol may burn). For seven to ten days, keep your head elevated on three pillows during sleep, and sleep alone. If you're able to sleep on your back, it will discourage unequal swelling.

WHEN CAN I GO BACK TO WORK?
Most people return to work shortly after surgery--about five days later. It depends on how you feel about going out in public slightly bruised or swollen.