01 Apr Top Trends in Eyelid Surgery
Whether you’re interested in upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both, it’s important to understand the latest best practices in blepharoplasty. Choosing the right eye surgeon is an essential part of the process, and Dr. Schiedler at Oasis Eye Face and Skin is the only expert you want working on your eyes in the Medford area. She’s a board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon who attended the top programs and universities in the country, so patients have peace of mind knowing they’re working with the absolute best.
Blepharoplasty is the technical term for eyelid surgery, and an eyelid lift is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery treatments. Dr. Schiedler works with patients to determine their unique recovery treatment plan needed to optimize results and achieve the ultimate in comfort during the healing process. It’s very common to experience minor swelling and light bruising after blepharoplasty, and while this isn’t dangerous most patients want to minimize it if possible. There are techniques to do this, including newly-available goggles specifically for blepharoplasty patients.
Increase Comfort after Medford Blepharoplasty
Patients should always check with their doctor before adopting any treatments for blepharoplasty recovery, including these specialized goggles. Known as Lid Lift Googles, these aren’t your average eyeglasses. They provide a small amount of pressure that helps address leakage from capillaries that is common after surgery, in turn decreasing swelling and bruising. The goggles also provide a blackout experience, so patients can only wear them when they’re fully resting or sleeping. An additional benefit of goggles like these is that they help prevent unnecessary strain on the eyes.
It can be very challenging for patients to avoid looking at screens after blepharoplasty. Even if you take time off of work (as you should) for a few days, most people are dependent on their phones, computers, or television. However, a proper blepharoplasty recovery requires proper rest. Make the most of your post-blepharoplasty recovery time by listening to audio books, music, or podcasts and give your eyes some genuine rest.
Most patients who wear the goggles do so for 80 percent of the time for three days after their surgery. It’s especially helpful for many patients to sleep in the goggles to help avoid accidental pressure or touching of the eyes. Early studies have shown that this approach can dramatically reduce bruising and swelling when compared to using cold compresses alone. However, cold compresses are still a favorite and effective recovery tool after blepharoplasty. Many patients are able to use both the cold compresses and goggles in tandem, and cold compresses of course feel good in a way that these goggles can’t.
A Not-So-Helpful Blepharoplasty Trend: Social Media
While new techniques for helping with blepharoplasty recovery are aiding some patients in maximizing their healing, other non-surgical trends aren’t as successful—like the onslaught of social media spreading misinformation. A recent study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, found that social media is now the “single greatest impact on people’s desire to get or consider getting plastic surgery.” It’s great to find inspiration and motivation to better yourself with the help of social media, but it’s not exactly the most reliable source.
One of the researchers reminds patients that anyone can post on YouTube with zero regulation, which can lead to wrong information being spread. “Patients should be aware that the information contained in aesthetic surgery videos could be of low-quality and has the potential to be inaccurate,” says the research team. The study found that less than ten percent of the top YouTube results for popular plastic surgery terms (both technical terms and colloquial) did not address potential risks, side effects, or indications. In total, 523 videos were analyzed and researchers found just 60 percent were created by doctors while 20 percent were made by patients and 20 percent were from “non-medical personnel” as well as commercial groups. Fortunately, the physician videos had the most views, but keep in mind that there’s still a wide range when it comes to quality and expertise even within the legitimate medical realm.
Ultimately, the only way you can ensure the best and safest results is to work with a leading surgeon. For those interested in blepharoplasty, Dr. Schiedler is a renowned oculofacial surgeon and the best professional you can trust for eyelid lifts in Southern Oregon. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Schiedler at Oasis Eye Face and Skin today by calling (541) 708-6393.