Questions To Ask Before Undergoing Eyelid Surgery Naples
While you consider undergoing eyelid surgery, perhaps you already have a lot of questions in mind. Maybe you’d like to know what happens after the procedure but, more importantly, you should be concerned about the person who’s going to do the surgery. After all, the surgeon can either make or break your appearance or maybe your health. Here are some things you can ask an eye expert before undergoing eyelid surgery:
Are you qualified to do eyelid surgery?
While plastic surgeons usually perform cosmetic operations like blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, an eye specialist such as an ophthalmologist is also certified to perform this operation. The best person to choose is a registered medical professional. This means that the doctor has completed specialized training, which can prove their skills and knowledge in performing the operation. Click here to learn more about droopy eyelid surgery.
How long have you been doing this procedure?
You wouldn’t want to be someone’s first eyelid surgery patient. Ideally, you want someone who has gained experience of at least five years. Many people are embarrassed to ask such a question or think it’s rude. But remember that your face is at stake here. It’s your right as a patient to know about the doctor’s capabilities and gain confidence in their skills.
Will you have medical staff to help with the procedure?
It’s essential to be assured that the doctor has a qualified medical support team. The team should include someone who will administer and monitor anesthesia, assist the doctor, and emergency staff in case a problem comes up. While it’s not bad to have interns or medical students around, it’s better to have more experienced professionals to assist during your procedure.
Where will my eyelid surgery procedure be done?
Although other operations can be done in a clinic, eyelid surgery procedures should be done in a hospital to ensure safety. This is highly recommended to lower your risk of infection. Do note that you also need to perform precaution after the procedure as infection can still happen if you don’t follow the doctor’s orders.
What kind of anesthesia will be administered during the surgery?
Another thing that you need to discuss with your doctor are the risks of anesthesia. General anesthesia is considered to have the greatest risk. It should only be administered and monitored by highly experienced professionals. IV sedation is another kind of anesthesia that’s considered to be the slightly safer and cheaper option. Another kind is regional anesthesia, which is used to numb a part of your body. The last one is called local anesthesia, which is used when the doctor needs to communicate with you during the surgery.
Can you tell me about the risks related to eyelid surgery?
Any surgery comes with risks, which may include infection, excessive blood loss, or severe reactions to general anesthesia. There could also be other risks that vary among patients, which should be discussed with you by the doctor who will perform the procedure. If the doctor feels that your risk is higher than the perceived benefit, then they may choose not to continue with the surgery.
Can you show me before and after photos of your previous patients?
Experienced eyelid surgery doctors should be proud to show the success of their work on their previous patients. This should give you a better idea of the doctor’s workmanship. Observe the changes on the previous patients to see if the eyelid surgery procedure was successful. If you like what you see, you’ve probably come to the right doctor. Just for clarity, ask the doctor if the photos are from their actual patients or not.
Do you have references to patients who I can talk to about the procedure?
It may not be appropriate for doctors to share the names and contact details of their previous patients. Nevertheless, some doctors may ask their patients to speak about their experiences under the doctor’s care. Not only will this step help you in assessing the quality of the doctor’s work, but it will also give you a chance to talk to someone who has undergone the procedure and learn more about recovery and what to expect. Whether you’re having eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons or to improve function, it’s always better to check the doctor’s ability to make their patients feel satisfied with the results.
What are the costs involved in eyelid surgery?
Many people forget that there are other fees involved in any surgical procedure on top of the doctor’s professional fee. This can include operating room, lab, or anesthesia fees. Request a breakdown of the total costs involved to avoid getting unpleasant surprises after the procedure.
Final Thoughts
Some patients are hesitant to ask their doctors regarding their experience, procedure, and even costs for fear of offending them. But it should be clear that these questions will help you make a more informed decision about the cosmetic surgery procedure that you’re about to undergo. Aside from gaining confidence when it comes to your doctor’s skills, your safety is also ensured.