Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of antibiotics to prevent infection during eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. The researchers looked at past studies to assess the risk of infection from this surgery and the pros and cons of using antibiotics to prevent it. They found that while the risk of infection from eyelid surgery is very low, the use of antibiotics to prevent infection has gone up over the past 25 years. However, practices vary widely and there are no set guidelines on whether or not antibiotics should be used for this purpose. This raises the question of whether the small benefit of further reducing the already low risk of infection is worth the potential risks associated with antibiotics, including the rise of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The researchers found no clear agreement in the existing research, so there is currently no standard practice for surgeons to follow when it comes to using antibiotics to prevent infection during eyelid surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of infection associated with blepharoplasty?
  2. Is there a standardized practice for antibiotic prophylaxis in blepharoplasty?
  3. What are the possible downsides of using antibiotic prophylaxis in blepharoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about blepharoplasty is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical area clean and avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended blepharoplasty include those with:

  1. Excess skin or fat on the upper or lower eyelids, causing a tired or aged appearance
  2. Drooping eyelids that obstruct vision
  3. Puffiness or bags under the eyes
  4. Sagging or loose skin around the eyes
  5. Eyelid ptosis (drooping of the eyelids)
  6. Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes

It is important for patients considering blepharoplasty to undergo a thorough evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before blepharoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  • Pre-operative assessments and tests are conducted to ensure the patient is a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure
  • Surgery is performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure

After blepharoplasty:

  • Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities to aid in the healing process
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the progress of healing and remove any sutures
  • Patient may be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to manage pain and reduce the risk of infection
  • Final results of the surgery may take several weeks to months to fully manifest, as swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their new shape.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty surgery?
  2. How likely is it that I will experience an infection following blepharoplasty surgery?
  3. What factors may increase my risk of developing an infection after blepharoplasty?
  4. What are the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing infections after blepharoplasty surgery?
  5. What are the potential side effects or risks associated with taking antibiotics for prophylaxis?
  6. When would antibiotic prophylaxis be recommended for blepharoplasty surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative strategies or methods to reduce the risk of infection after blepharoplasty surgery?
  8. How will I know if I have developed an infection after blepharoplasty surgery, and what should I do if I suspect an infection?
  9. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow after blepharoplasty surgery to reduce the risk of infection?
  10. Can you provide me with information or resources to help me make an informed decision about antibiotic prophylaxis for blepharoplasty surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ferneini EM, Halepas S, Aronin SI. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jul;75(7):1477-1481. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2017.01.025. Epub 2017 Feb 1. PMID: 28222277