Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about their vision and general eye health issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A: In some cases, insurance will cover your procedure.  In general insurance covers "functional" or "reconstructive" procedures and not cosmetic procedures.  Please ask our staff if you have questions.
A: In general, bruising lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks but is quite variable from patient to patient.  Factors such as the use of blood thinners can prolong bruising but with proper rest and use of ice packs in the postoperative period, bruising can be significantly reduced.  Shown below is a typical appearance of a patient after eyelid surgery.  


 
Patient Before Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty (San Diego Eyelid Lift)




Same patient 1 week after surgery with Dr. Korn.  As you can see here, this patient has more bruising on the right side than the left side.  Often, there is asymmetric bruising of the eyelids.  This is due to the subtle differences in our body and doesn't mean that the final outcome will be different.  



Same patient 4 weeks after surgery.  As you can see in this photograph, there is complete resolution of all bruising and swelling.  Despite the higher degree of bruising on the right eyelid, the final postoperative result is symmetric and natural. 


To schedule a consultation for a San Diego Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) with Dr. Korn, please contact our office at 858-534-6290 or by email.
A: In general, two weeks should elapse before using makeup. 
A:

No bending, straining or heavy lifting for two weeks.

 
A: Lower eyelid surgery for puffiness and extra skin is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.
A: Old photographs are very useful when planning reconstructive or cosmetic surgery.  If you have had prior surgery, then your old medical records including operative reports should be obtained.  Any imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans should also be brought in during the initial visit.  Many imaging centers will burn a CD with all of your images for review. 
A: In general, one should avoid vigorous exercise such as lifting weights, aerobics, yoga, pilates, etc for a period of two weeks after the day of surgery.  This is done to minimize postoperative bleeding and in some cases, dehischence (opening up) of the surgical wound.  Brisk walking is fine during this time but just be reasonable and conservative.  
A: Numbness is common after surgery.  Typically this returns within several weeks and return of sensation may occur on one side faster than the other side.  
A: Please do not rub your eyelids!  Rubbing can cause bleeding, disrupt healing of the wound and can cause the wound to open up.  Gentle cold compresses give the best and safest relief of itching. 
A: Preferably, these medications should be stopped at least 7-10 days before the day of surgery.  However, please consult with your general doctor or cardiologist prior to stopping any blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as aspirin, plavix, coumadin, NSAIDS (ibuprofen).  Please also inform our office if you are taking any of these medications. 
A: This is most likely a symptom of dry eyes are very common after surgery.  Use of artificial tears (not visine or clear eyes) can help with symptoms of dry eyes until your eyelids have healed.  There are several brands on the market such as Soothe, Refresh, Systane, and Genteal.  These drops are all available over the counter without a prescription.  
A: Smoking is strictly prohibited, particularly after surgery.  In addition to the already well-known health risks, smoking affects wound healing, is associated with higher rates of infection, and increases scar formation.  If you have thyroid-related eye disease, this is particularly damaging to the eyes.  Bottom line, please stop smoking for both your eyes and health.  Here are some resources to help stop smoking.


A: After surgery, you have been provided with an ice pack, which may be used on the way home and for the first 72 hours after surgery.  Try to use it for twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off, but the more that the ice is used, the less swelling, discoloration, and discomfort you will have.  It is not necessary to use the ice pack while sleeping.  
A: The best position to sleep after surgery is on your back with the head of the bed elevated by 20-30 degrees.  Sleeping face down or on one side may cause prolonged swelling, stretching of the surgical wounds and even gaping or opening up of the surgical site and this should be avoided. 
A: During surgery, your doctor may elect to use dissolvable or permanent sutures.  Dissolvable sutures typically fall out at 7-14 days and should not be cut or removed at home prematurely.  Permanent sutures will be removed by your doctor in the eye clinic.  Please ask your doctor during the postop visit if you have any questions.  Some of the deeper absorbable sutures in the eyelids may take several weeks to months to dissolve and this is normal.  
A: If you experience any of the following, please call your doctor immediately:
- A deep aching pain not relieve by Tylenol
- Sudden increased redness or bloody discharge
- Sudden increase purulent (pus) discharge
- Bleeding that is excessive or does not stop
- Eye pain accompanied by nausea or decrease in vision
- Flashing lights or a dark curtain coming down over the vision in your eye
A: Please avoid any nose blowing during the first 4 weeks after lacrimal (tear duct) or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery.  This can lead to bleeding and possibly closure of the new tear duct created during your surgery.  Also avoid any bending, straining or heaving lifting during this period.  
A: Please contact the Shiley Eye Center at 858-534-6290 or the Ophthalmologist on-call (for after hours care) at 619-543-6737.