Preparing for Blepharoplasty: What to Bring and What to Ask

Preparing for blepharoplasty comes down to two things: arriving with a complete picture of your health and asking the right questions before surgery day. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Lee Ann M. Klausner makes sure every eyelid surgery patient feels informed and ready. In this blog, we will discuss what to bring to your consultation, which questions to ask, and how to prepare in the weeks before your procedure.

What to Bring to Your Blepharoplasty Consultation

A well-prepared consultation gives Dr. Klausner the details she needs to build a safe, personalized surgical plan. Gather these items before your visit:

• Full medication list: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Medical and eye history: Note any dry eye, glaucoma, thyroid conditions, prior eye surgeries, and recent vision exams.
• Glasses or contact lenses: Bring your current prescription so your vision needs can be reviewed.
• Older photos: Pictures from past years show how your eyelids have changed over time.
• Insurance information: Upper eyelid surgery that corrects vision obstruction may qualify for coverage in some cases.

How Does Dr. Klausner Evaluate You for Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Klausner evaluates the skin, fat, and muscle of your eyelids along with the position of your brows. Heaviness around the eyes sometimes comes from a lowered brow rather than the eyelid itself, and in those cases a brow lift may be part of the conversation.

According to Mayo Clinic, a pre-surgical evaluation often includes a physical exam, vision testing, and photographs of the eyes. Dr. Klausner’s dual board certification in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery gives her a detailed understanding of facial anatomy and function.

Questions to Ask Before Blepharoplasty

Asking focused questions helps you understand your plan and set realistic expectations. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends discussing these topics with your surgeon:

• Candidacy: Ask whether upper, lower, or combined eyelid surgery best fits your concerns.
• Anesthesia: Ask what type of anesthesia is planned and where the procedure will take place.
• Incision placement: Ask where incisions will sit and how they will be closed, details Dr. Klausner considers essential to a refined result.
• Recovery timeline: Ask when you can return to work, exercise, contact lenses, and makeup.
• Results: Ask to see before-and-after photos of Dr. Klausner’s eyelid patients.

How to Prepare in the Weeks Before Blepharoplasty

Preparation for eyelid surgery begins several weeks before your procedure date. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that patients may need lab testing or a medical evaluation, medication adjustments, and to quit smoking. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements are typically paused because they can increase bleeding and bruising.

Planning your recovery space ahead of time also makes the first few days easier. You will need someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you the first night. Before your procedure, fill any prescriptions, stock up on cold compresses, and set aside a comfortable spot to rest with your head elevated.

Ready for Eyelid Surgery? Dr. Klausner Is Here to Help

Choosing the right surgeon is the most important step in your eyelid surgery journey. Dr. Lee Ann M. Klausner is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, trained under renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Russell W.H. Kridel, and is consistently named one of Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors. From her Park Avenue practice on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, she creates natural-looking results that help patients look refreshed while still looking like themselves. To learn more about blepharoplasty, schedule your consultation today by calling (646) 568-6485.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Sources

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Eyelid Surgery Preparation.”https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/preparation
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Eyelid Surgery: Questions to Ask.”https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery/questions
• Mayo Clinic. “Blepharoplasty.”https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blepharoplasty/about/pac-20385174