Service Information

Surgical Procedure
The upper eyelid incision is made in the natural skin fold. Excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, the muscles and orbital septum (a thin connective tissue membrane) may be tightened, and the incisions are carefully closed. The external incisions are hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelids. Much of the operation is done with a very fine electrocautery, which controls any bleeding. The skin is then closed with very fine sutures.

Duration of Operation
One hour

Risks and Complications
When eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including, bleeding, infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

The minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out; your surgeon can remove them easily with a very fine needle.

Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another very rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required.

After Care
After surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore as the anesthesia wears off, but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. If you feel any severe pain, call your surgeon immediately.

Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. (Bruising varies form person to person: it reaches its peak during the first week, and generally lasts anywhere from two weeks to a month.) You'll be shown how to clean your eyes, which may be gummy for a week or so. Many doctors recommend eyedroppers, since your eyelids may feel dry at first and your eyes may burn or itch. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision.

Your surgeon will follow your progress very closely for the first week or two. The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. Once they're out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel much better.

Recovery
At first the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. Your sutures (stitches) will be removed sometime within the first week.

The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you'll start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Within the first week you will be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration.

Your vision may continue to be somewhat blurry for a few days or longer. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You may receive eyedroppers to help relieve any burning or itching.

Results
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age. The eyes appear fresher and more youthful, and these results may last for many years. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.

Hospital Admission
This depends on your preferences as well as your surgeon's. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed on an out patient basis, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory surgical suite under either general or local anesthesia.

Anesthetic
General or Local Anesthesia

Pre Operative Care
• Inform us about any allergies, any serious medical condition(s), and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.

Post Operative Care
For the first week, you'll need to avoid activities that dry the eyes, including reading, watching television, wearing contacts, and using a computer. Also avoid excessive blinking, which leads to increased swelling. You should also wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. The eyes may tire easily for several weeks; frequent naps are helpful.

For the first three or four weeks, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting, crying and sports. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready for exercise. Also avoid drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.

Preparation

Passport and Visa
• Please forward the copy of your passport to us before the arriving date.
• For most tourists, a stay of no more than 30 days does not require a VISA. For further information on Thailand's entry/exit requirements, please contact the Thai consulate in your country or your travel agent.

Flight Arrangement
Our recommended airlines are Thai International, Northwest, Lufthansa, Singapore, and EVA, which has wide seats.

Extra Charge
If you are HIV positive, then you are a risk to hospital personnel. For this reason you need to pay an extra 30% to the original charge.

Airport Immigration and Customs
Please present the supporting documents confirming the scheduled operation upon request. Please do not carry any unnecessary drugs or dangerous objects in your luggage.

Appointment
The operation can be arranged once you have all required papers ready. Just inform us of your earliest convenient date prior to arrival, either by clicking at Contact Us or
e-Mail : info@phukethospital.com, or by calling +66(0) 7625 4425, or faxing us +66(0) 7625 4430

Service Inclusions

Surgical Fee
• Doctor fee
• Clinical interview/surgery consultation

Post Operative Care
• Cold compression should apply after surgery for the first few hours.
• Postoperative check-up at the center on a follow up appointment.