How much is my procedure going to cost?
In order to provide you with fees for procedures, Dr. Erb needs to see and evaluate you. Each patient is different and has his or her own combination set of problems, options, concerns, anatomy, and aesthetic goals which must be customized individually and personally. We are therefore unable to give an estimate of fees before your consultation with the doctor. Dr. Erb will review with you the cost of various procedures and options at the time of your consultation visit.
Is the surgery performed in the office procedure room or a surgery center operating room?
Together, you and Dr Erb will decide which location best suits your needs
How long does the results last?
In most cases, laser cosmetic blepharoplasty will generally last for 15 to 30 years.
Will it hurt?
We want our patients to have a good experience and excellent results. Dr. Erb will always make sure that you are comfortable. We use numbing eye drops, numbing ointment, and numbing injections. We give you 2 Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) and some relaxing medication just before your procedure is to start.
Should I wait until I lose weight or until my eye bags are really large?
The time for you to consider eyelid surgery is when you look in the mirror and you don’t like what you see. You do not have to wait until your eye bags are really large. Also, losing weight will not make the bags smaller. It is important for you to have a consultation with Dr. Erb and let her discuss the options with you.
Does Dr. Erb perform her own surgery or does another doctor do it?
Dr. Erb does the surgery. She operates five days a week; you will be entirely in her hands from start to finish. She will call you after your surgery to check in with you. We are here to serve you.
How long will I be bruised?
Bruising is quite variable from patient to patient. In general, bruising can last from 1 day to up to 3 weeks. Factors such as the use of blood thinners can prolong bruising.
How can I minimize bruising and swelling?
The frequent use of ice packs will help reduce bruising and swelling. Put crushed ice or frozen peas in a Ziploc baggie. Place the cold pack on a dry or damp washcloth and put the washcloth onto the surgical area, immediately and as much as possible for the first 4 days. It is important to know that the more often that you use the cold pack, the less bruising and swelling there will be. Bruising and swelling gets worse on days 1 through 3 and then start to improve.
When can I resume various activities after surgery?
Here is a partial list:
- Rest for 3 days after surgery so that you can use cold packs as much as possible.
- After 3 days, you may watch TV or work on the computer after surgery. There are no restrictions.
- You may drive when you feel that you are safe to drive based on the blurriness of your vision.
- No eye makeup for 2 weeks after surgery.
- No contact lenses for 2 weeks after surgery. Wear glasses.
- No strenuous exercise (running) for 2 weeks after surgery. Walking is fine.
- No heavy lifting, over 20 pounds, for 2 weeks after surgery
- No bending over or head down positions for 2 weeks after surgery
- No swimming in pools or ocean or getting swimming pool water on stitches for 2 weeks after surgery
How much time should I plan to take off work following surgery?
It depends on what kind of work you do and how comfortable you are with people seeing you bruised and/or swollen. If your job does not require bending, heavy lifting, driving, or being in the “public eye,” then you may return as soon as you feel comfortable. Normally most patients feel comfortable returning to work in anywhere from 3 to 14 days, although occasionally a patient will return to work the day after surgery. This may vary depending on your type of procedure and how quickly you heal.
How do I care for my stitches?
Wash your stitches gently with water and then apply the prescribed ointment to the stitches 2 – 3 times per day. You may carefully use a Q-Tip with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to remove crusting on the stitches while being careful not to get any hydrogen peroxide into the eyes.
When can I wash my hair?
You may wash your hair the day after surgery.
What can I do if my vision is a little blurry after surgery?
You can use over-the-counter lubricant eye drops / artificial tear as much as you like. The length of time for blurred vision is variable from patient to patient.
When do I need to call the office after surgery?
It is important to know that severely blurred vision (cannot read print of very large size), after surgery is NOT normal and extremely rare. Also, swollen eyelids that feel firm, like a tennis ball, is NOT normal and extremely rare. In the unlikely event that this occurs, you should call our office immediately anytime day or night at 949-727- 0102 and follow the prompts for Dr. Erb’s cell phone.
Also feel free to call the office if you have any questions or concerns.
We are always here for you!