Eyelid Surgery

With age, eyelid muscles weaken resulting in excess fat and skin above your eyes. This can cause sagging eyebrows and droopy upper eyelids which can reduce your vision.

At Faith Regional Physician Services in Norfolk, Nebraska, we offer highly personalized consultation and care with specialized reconstructive surgery expertise to improve the appearance of upper eyelids and areas around the eyes.

Meeting with the Reconstructive Surgeon

If you’re thinking about reconstructive surgery, your first step is to schedule a consultation. The surgeon will offer customized information, answers, and treatment recommendations to address your concerns.

At Faith Regional, technology and tools can help you visualize, discuss or finetune your new look as you consider eyelid surgery.

Risks of Eyelid Surgery

All surgery carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, clots, or reaction to anesthesia. Your doctor will inform you of all the potential risks and benefits of your procedure.

Reconstructive surgery risks can include uneven results (asymmetry) or results not as expected. Other risks can include poor wound healing, change in skin sensation, discoloration or swelling, and other possible complications.

If you have eyelid surgery, additional risks include dry or irritated eyes, difficulty closing your eyes, vision changes, or injury to eye muscles.

Preparing for Surgery

Before the day of your procedure, your doctor and other practitioners will guide you and help you to plan and prepare. Preparing for surgery may include:

  • Lab testing and medical evaluation
  • Review and adjustment of medications
  • Instructions not to smoke in the days before your surgery
  • Discussion about the type and use of anesthesia
  • Post-operative care
  • Follow-up care

What to Expect if You’re Having Surgery

Your physician and care practitioners will direct you before and after your procedure. You’ll learn where to go, how to prepare, and what to expect before and after your surgery.

If you’re having general surgery, you may go to the outpatient surgery center or main operating room at Faith Regional Health Services.

Medication and Anesthesia

You’ll receive medications recommended by your surgeon which may include something to keep you comfortable before surgery. You’ll receive local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia as discussed in your pre-surgery office visits.

Surgical Incisions and Techniques

Your surgeon will make incisions in the areas to be treated based on earlier discussions with you. The nature of incisions varies with each type of procedure or treatment plan. For example:

  • Eye-related surgery technique:
    • For upper eyelid surgery, the doctor may make incisions within the natural crease of your upper eyelid so they’re well concealed. Your surgeon will remove or reposition fat deposits and remove excess skin.

Your surgeon will close the incisions with surgical sutures, skin glue, or tape and add protective bandages.

After Your Surgery

During pre-surgery visits, your doctor will discuss your expected recovery process and time. Procedures are generally as follows:

  • You’re moved to a recovery room for monitoring as you awaken. If you’ve had outpatient surgery, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your procedure.
  • If you’ve had general surgery, you’ll be moved to a hospital room to rest and for a brief hospital stay. The surgeon will visit you to examine your condition and results and give you care instructions and guidance.
  • You can expect redness and swelling which will gradually subside. Your doctor may prescribe medication and discuss ways to manage any discomfort.
  • You’ll learn about home care, medications, and follow-up appointments.
  • If you have sutures, these will be removed within a week or so at a follow-up visit to your doctor’s office.
  • We encourage you to ask questions if anything is unclear. You’ll have 24/7 contact details.

Your Results

You can expect some redness and swelling at first, which will eventually subside. Most reconstructive procedures offer visible improvements shortly after surgery.

  • If you’ve had eyelid surgery, the results will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside. You’ll notice a smooth, well-defined eyelid and surrounding area. You should have relief from sagging skin around your eyes and improved vision.

Schedule a Consultation

You can reach us at 402-844-8167 or email frpsclinics@frhs.org to schedule an appointment.