Tips for Patients Considering Eyelid Surgery

The old adage “look before you leap” holds true in so many parts of our lives, and plastic surgery is no exception. Any surgery is an important decision that requires planning and preparation. Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) may seem like a minor procedure because it’s performed on a very small part of the body, but it requires just as much research and planning as any other cosmetic surgery or cosmetic treatment. Here are some tips to help you adequately prepare.

1. Research the procedure – In order to know what questions to ask in your consultation, you need to be familiar with the procedure. It’s a good idea to understand the basics of how the procedure is performed, be familiar with the most common techniques used in the procedure, and be aware of the expected outcomes and potential risks. Make sure you research your surgeon’s website as well as impartial and reliable sources.
2. Research your surgeon – While it’s great to get recommendations from a friend, it’s still important to research surgeons who are highly recommended—just because your friend saw great results doesn’t necessarily mean that surgeon is highly proficient or that your friend’s results are typical for his/her patients. Qualified plastic surgeons like myself, Franklyn Elliott, MD, will have their credentials listed on their website. You should also check third-party organizations and websites, like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
3. Schedule a consultation with your surgeon – It’s vital to meet with your plastic surgeon face-to-face so that you can feel comfortable with him/her, and so that you can ask any questions you may have. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to have consultations with multiple surgeons if you’re not yet sure which one you prefer. When you go into your consultation, also keep in mind that the surgeon knows the procedure inside and out, so pay attention to their recommendations and use them as a source of guidance when developing realistic surgical expectations.

In the end, one of the most beneficial factors in making blepharoplasty (or any plastic surgery, for instance) safe and satisfactory is cooperation between you and your surgeon. You both have the same goal, and you both need to do your part to be successful. It’s never too soon to start researching, so check out my Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to start learning more about me and about how to achieve that youthful, rested look around the eyes.