Recovering from Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid Surgery Is A Big Decision - Make the Right Call (It's Okay, It's Probably Local)

If you're committed to constructive change - to finally doing something about the sagging eyelids, the puffy bags and the wrinkles around your eyes resulting from genetics, the passage of time and the effects of both gravity and of the San Diego sun - then hopefully you're just as committed to finding a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery. San Diego certainly has its share of plastic surgeons. Obviously, you don't want just any surgeon; you want:

• One who shares your commitment
• One who matches your enthusiasm
• One who possesses twenty plus years of surgical experience
• One who has an undisputed safety record of achieving constructive change
• One who is dedicated to your full and timely recovery, and
• One who's willing to take the time to honestly educate you as to what to expect before, during and after your eyelid surgery

Then you want triple board certified, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Chaffoo. His unique training in Head & Neck Surgery (Otolaryngology) as well as Plastic Surgery offers patients the benefit of dual surgical training and experience.

If you're seriously considering eyelid surgery, you're obviously concerned with your looks in some way. And, if you're reading this page, you're obviously concerned with what recovering from eyelid surgery might be like. Dr. Chaffoo is here to help.

Before eyelid surgery can help restore a more youthful look - and maybe even help with any associated vision problems - you need a plastic surgeon who can help you make an informed decision. Request your Complimentary Consultation online or call 858-587-9850 (La Jolla) or 951-506-1040 (Murrieta) for an appointment with triple board certified plastic surgeon Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS.

San Diego Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Recovery

As the anesthesia wears off immediately following your eyelid surgery (also known as an eyelid lift), it's common for your eyelids to feel stiff and possibly even ache a bit. Should you require it, Dr. Chaffoo will provide you with pain medication to reduce any discomfort you might feel. A cold compress helps as well. During this time, a team of experienced nurses will carefully monitor you for any potential complications.

For the first few days, to minimize bruising, it is recommended that you keep you head elevated. Soon after your eyelid surgery, you'll return to either Dr. Chaffoo's La Jolla or Murrieta offices so that the stitches can be removed. At this time (approximately 48 hours following surgery), swelling should noticeably subside. Any lingering bruising can be concealed with make-up. It is common for patients to report dry eyes, as well as an itchy or burning sensation; eye drops can alleviate these temporary side effects of eyelid surgery. Additionally, your eyes might exhibit a greater sensitivity to San Diego's sunny weather during the first few weeks, and you might experience a temporary mild blurring of your vision.

For the first 10 to 14 days following blepharoplasty, you are advised not to wear contact lenses. Also, prior to going outside, you should apply sunblock, and when you leave home, please wear sunglasses. Again, these are only temporary actions you'll need to make. Except for getting your beauty rest, you should refrain from doing much the first week after eyelid surgery, while avoiding strenuous activities for 3 to 4 weeks.

Finally, please be sure to arrange for a family member or friend to drive you home from Dr. Chaffoo's Murrieta or La Jolla cosmetic surgery center and then to remain with you there for the first few days, as you might require help around the house. You will be supplied with detailed post-operative care instructions to take with you, including how to properly cleanse your eyes. Throughout your recovery, you will occasionally meet with Dr. Chaffoo so that he can review your progress. Of course, in-between these appointments, you can contact your Patient Coordinator should you have any questions or concerns.

The fact is the majority of men and women in San Diego experience minimal discomfort following their eyelid surgery. Most of Dr. Chaffoo's La Jolla patients return to work after just 7 to 10 days feeling relaxed and looking refreshed.

If you're considering a facial sculpting procedure such as rejuvenating eyelid surgery, San Diego plastic surgeon Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS can help. He has two offices conveniently located close to you on Genesee Avenue in La Jolla on the Scripps Memorial Hospital Campus at the Ximed Medical Center and on Monroe Avenue in Murrieta. Request your Complimentary Consultation online or call 858-587-9850 (La Jolla) or 951-506-1040 (Temecula Valley) for an appointment.

You demand the best from yourself. Dr. Chaffoo demands the best as well - from himself, from his staff and always for you.