Blepharoplasty Surgery Preparation

• Your eyelid surgeon will arrange for the following, as indicated:

• health history
• medical clearance from your general doctors (if needed)
• any laboratory testing (usually little or none)

• Avoid using aspirin, aspirin-like medications, or ibuprofen during the three weeks before surgery. Acetaminophen may be used at any time.

• If you use prescription "blood thinners," be sure to discuss this with your doctor well in advance of surgery.

• If you take a Vitamin E supplement, stop two weeks before.

• Other common supplements known to prolong bleeding include gingko biloba, ginseng, glucosamine-chrondroiton sulfate.

• Unless advised otherwise, continue using your regular medications.

• Try to cut down on smoking and alcohol intake in the weeks leading up to surgery.

• Supplies that may be handy following surgery:

• ice cubes
• washcloths
• clean basin to hold water
• gallon-size Ziploc bags (to make ice packs), or
• package of frozen baby peas
• sterile gauze pads
• bottle of acetaminophen
• bottle of artificial tears

• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from your blepharoplasty.

• If possible, someone should be with you on the afternoon and evening of your operation.

• If your lid surgery is at the hospital or a surgicenter, do not eat or drink after midnight unless instructed otherwise.

• Shampoo and shower. Wash your eyebrows and remove cosmetics.

• Do not wear jewelry, watches, false eyelashes, or contact lenses. Wear loose-fitting clothes.

• If your surgery is to be undertaken with oral sedation in an office operating suite, you may often be allowed to eat a light breakfast with no caffeine. Limit fluids to eight ounces. (As this policy may vary office to office, be sure to check with your doctor).

• If you use prescription medicines or eye drops on a regular basis, take your regular dose on the morning of blepharoplasty. This is especially important with blood pressure medicines. (Again, this policy may vary, so check with your doctor).