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Oculoplastics FAQs

Oculoplastics FAQs

Before Your Surgery

Is eyelid surgery performed in CODET Vision Institute?
Yes, eyelid surgery, technically called Blepharoplasty, is available at CODET Vision Institute. CODET’s state-of-the-art facilities are ideally suited for several specialties in Ophthalmic Surgery, which includes cosmetic surgery to the eyes and surrounding external and internal structures. Because a medical doctor’s level of knowledge of all structures and substructures of the eye is necessary for any operation to or around it, only a fully trained and licensed Ophthalmologist specializing in Oculoplastic Surgery is qualified to perform Blepharoplasty. CODET provides all of its surgeons with nothing but the best in the way of offices, operating rooms, surgical equipment, diagnostic technology, and support staff.

Why is it important to get a Blepharoplasty from an Oculoplastic Surgeon?
The Oculoplastic Surgeon is not only qualified to perform cosmetic surgery to the eyelids but also fully trained to understand and perform procedures on the eye, if necessary. During surgery, this surgeon takes the patient’s complete eye care into account.

What other corrections can an Oculoplastic Surgeon perform? Can ‘tweaks’ be performed as well?
Here at CODET Vision Institute, our primary concern will always be patient safety and health. While we understand a primary goal of cosmetic surgery patients is to feel better by looking better, our primary goal in Blepharoplasty is eyelid function. This means making sure that the patient will be able to close their eyes correctly once they have recovered from surgery. With that understood, if there is a need for any additional ‘tweaks’ we can and will perform them during surgery, including wart removal, addressing old injuries, and other correctable conditions.

Is Blepharoplasty an outpatient procedure?
Yes, this surgery is ambulatory (outpatient).

What kind of examinations do I need before my surgery? Do I need pre-op exams?
Surgery requires pre-op examinations and a cardiological evaluation in patients over 40 years of age. The patient must be healthy and have no infections or respiratory problems. Patients with Diabetes and those with Hypertension can undergo Blepharoplasty as long as their pressure is controlled.

Are these pre-op examinations performed at CODET Vision Institute, or is the patient recommended to another doctor or laboratory?
We perform all eye examinations and diagnostics within CODET’s facilities, using our own state-of-the-art equipment. For cardiological and other pre-operative health screening, we work together with our preferred internists and require our surgical patients to see one of them.

During Your Procedure

Will I feel any pain during surgery?
No. This surgery is painless.

What type of anesthesia is used?
Surgery is performed in the operating room with local anesthesia plus sedation at the eyelid level. The patient will be awake but may sometimes fall asleep. A special device is used for the incision and allows coagulation to occur, preventing bleeding in the area. Stitches are also done and must be left there for 10 days. There is always some sort of inflammation, though it may be little or a lot, depending on the patient.

How long does the surgery last?
This procedure can last from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Post Procedure Recovery and Care

Will there be any pain or discomfort after surgery?
After the operation, the treated area may be swollen.

After surgery, will I be able to use my eyesight?
Yes, you won’t require patches, and Blepharoplasty does not affect the patient’s vision.

When will I be able to use my eyesight after surgery?
The very same day.

How long is the recovery time?
Recovery time is, on average, 2 weeks, but it depends on the patient and the specific surgery and whether or not one or two eyelids are treated.

When will I be able to return to my normal activities?
It is recommended that you “rest relatively” during these 2 weeks. Relative rest means to take it easy.  Lay down but also wander around your house without going out. Don’t overdo it. On the fifth or sixth day, it is okay to go outside with sunglasses to protect yourself from sunlight and dust.

I’ve had the operation, what’s next?
The next day, you will return to CODET for a post-operative follow-up. We will make sure everything seems as it should, which includes a check for any potential infections.

When will my stitches (sutures) be removed?
10 days after the surgery, you will have another appointment to remove the stitches. You will be able to resume most normal activities after this is done (see below for post-operative care).

What kind of care should be followed after the operation?
We recommend avoiding excessive physical activity or exertion for 2 to 3 weeks post-surgery. Patients should also avoid exposure to dust and sunlight during this time period. After this time, you can resume all normal and physical activities without worrying about exposure.

Do I need to make any post-op checkups beyond the day after surgery?
Yes, we recommend once per month for 4 months. If all appears well to your CODET surgeon at the 4-month checkup, you will be discharged.

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