If you have an upcoming oculoplastic surgery consultation, you may be wondering what to expect during this meeting. During this consultation, your surgeon will go over a lot of information with you and provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. Here’s more about what you can expect during your oculoplastic surgery consultation.
What Will Your Oculoplastic Surgeon Discuss?
Your oculoplastic surgeon will be the medical professional performing your eyelid surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will provide you with an overview of:
What the surgery entails
Oculoplastic surgerytreats structures around the eye and includes surgery of the eyelid, eye socket, tear ducts, eyebrows, and surrounding areas of the face like the forehead and cheeks. This type of surgery is used to treat a variety of eye conditions, including ptosis, Graves disease, skin cancers near the eye, Bell palsy, tear duct problems, eye injuries, birth defects that impact the eye, and cosmetic concerns. Depending on the specific type of surgery you’re having, the procedure will either be done under local or general anesthesia so that you don’t experience any pain during surgery.
How you’ll need to prepare for the surgery
You’ll likely have a set of instructions that you’ll need to follow in the days leading up to your surgery. These instructions may include stopping the use of blood thinners, avoiding certain over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and stopping smoking. For any surgery, it’s generally recommended to have someone drive you home after the procedure as well.
Complications and risks involved with the surgery
Any surgery comes with an element of risk, and it’s important to be aware of any risks or possible complications that may result from the surgery. While it may be scary to hear about these, it’s important to keep in mind that the surgical consultation is taking place because you or your doctor has determined that the benefits outweigh any risks involved in the surgery.
What to expect during the recovery process
Your doctor will also explain what you can expect in the days and weeks immediately following the surgery. You may need to plan ahead for those days, including taking time off from work to rest, meal prepping ahead of time, and arranging for someone to help you out if you’ll have any limitations during the recovery period. Your doctor will also discuss what’s normal and what’s not during the recovery process so that you can contact the doctor if any problems come up with your recovery.
Likely outcomes of the surgery
In addition to discuss the risks and recovery of surgery, your doctor will also discuss the likely outcomes of the surgery. This helps ensure you have realistic expectations on how the surgery will improve your symptoms or quality of life.
This consultation will be personalized to your unique needs, and your doctor will also take the time to:
- Review your medical history, including current medical conditions and any previous surgeries you’ve had
- Discuss your goals for the surgery and ensure that you have realistic expectations on the outcomes
- Review any medications, supplements, or drugs you’re currently using and discuss whether you’ll need to pause any of these for the surgery
- Answer any questions or concerns you have about the surgery
Preparing for Your Oculoplastic Surgery Consultation
In addition to understanding what to expect during the oculoplastic surgery consultation, it’s important for you to come prepared to this meeting so that you can make the most of your time. You may want to write down any questions or concerns you have ahead of time so that you make sure you have the chance to ask everything you’re wondering about.
Schedule an Oculoplastic Surgery Consultation
If you’re in need of oculoplastic surgery or are exploring eye surgery options, turn to the professionals at Sight360. Our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists can provide you with the comprehensive eye care services you need in the Greater Tampa Bay area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.