FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BLEPHAROPLASTY

When is eyelid surgery appropriate?

That's just one question I am asked about eyelid surgery (also know as blepharoplasty) Here are others along with my answers:

If you are already scheduled for eyelid surgery, please click this link for a printable Informed Consent Form. You must read adn sign this form before surgery. If you print and sign the form at home, you will save time in the office.

Q: What is a blepharoplasty?
A: A blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a procedure that can be performed on either the upper or the lower eyelids. Many times we do them jointly in that we will do an upper lid bleph in conjunction with a lower lid bleph. Basically an upper lid blepharoplasty requires or involves the removal of excess skin, which can impair vision in some cases. Surgery on the lower lids usually involves removing a fat pad, which has caused bulging and dark circles under the eyes. In some cases we also remove loose skin from the lower lids.

Q: Will insurance cover the procedure?
A: In cases where the upper lid skin is so excessive that it impairs the vision, insurance will cover it but will require visual field studies in order to determine that it is a medical necessity. Each insurance company has its own visual impairment guidelines so you may want to check with them before having this procedure performed. Also check to make sure this is a covered benefit on your insurance plan contract.

Q: Will there be post operative pain?
A: Surprisingly enough there is no pain associated with an upper and lower lid blepharoplasty. The post operative course is very simple and I instruct the patient to do 2 things. The first is to keep the head elevated above the heart and secondly apply ice on their eyes as much as they can in the immediate period of the first 4 days after the operation. This will greatly diminish and decrease the amount of swelling and bruising. I do give patients pain pills but 99% of the patients do not require the pain pills post operatively.

Q: How long is the recovery time?
A: The recovery from an upper and lower lid bleph is very minimal. I have patients showering and shampooing their hair the very next day. Most of the time the stitches can come out in as little as 3 to 4 days and the patients can put on make up to cover the areas of bruising that may exist.

Q: Can I have other procedures done at the same time?
A: Many times patients will have a blepharoplasty performed in conjunction with a face and or neck lift. One can do multiple procedures during the same course or same operation.

Q: When can I wear my contacts?
A: Most patients can wear their contacts after 3 to 4 days. A lot however depends on the amount of bruising and swelling they have post operatively. It is imperative to keep ice on the eyes as much as possible during the first 3 to 4 days to minimize the swelling and this will allow the individual to resume the normal wearing of contact lenses.

Q: When can I wear eye shadow and mascara?
A: Many of my patients will start wearing eye shadow and mascara 3 to 5 days post operatively. I think the sooner they get back to a more normal routine the better they will feel about the surgery.

Q: When can I shampoo my hair?
A: Many of my patients can shampoo their hair the very next day, I warn them to get a baby shampoo so if it does get into the eyes it will not burn and they won't have to rub their eyes and irritate the sutures.

Robert Brueck, MD, FACS is Board-Certified and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery. He has 29 years of experience in plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery, including five consecutive years, from 2003 to 208 during which he was recognized by Gulfshore Life magazine as one of the top plastic surgeons in Southwest Florida (Northport to Marco Island).

In his dedication to beauty in plastic and cosmetic surgery and to provide the highest quality patient care, Dr. Brueck, practices in a state-of-the-art facility for plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. It incorporates the most advanced technologies and the latest treatment therapies to provide patients with the very best in surgical and non-surgical results.

For your free, private, confidential consultation, contact Dr. Brueck through this link or by telephone at 239-939-5233. There is no cost nor obligation.

Dr. Brueck and his highly trained staff are dedicated to providing patients with the finest cosmetic and plastic surgery outcomes in a responsive and comforting manner. While eyelid surgery is a primary cosmetic surgery procedure offered by Dr. Brueck, he also provides a variety of other plastic and reconstructive services throughout the Fort Myers, Naples and Marco Island area of Southwest Florida.

Dr. Brueck also performs liposuction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, face lift and forehead lift. Non-surgical procedures include laser hair removal, Lipodissolve, laser resurfacing, Obagi, Botox and Restylane.

You may contact Dr. Brueck by telephone at 239-939-5233, through email or through his Aesthetic Coordinator, Judy.