If you plan on getting surgery to fix drooping eyelids, you will need to choose a blepharoplasty surgeon. One of the best ways to start is by asking people you know for references, as most people enjoy sharing their experiences with others. You should also find out the background of the blepharoplasty surgeon you are considering. If the doctor offers a free initial consultation, it is important to ask questions about his staff and the overall procedure.
You might not think you know anyone who has had eyelid surgery, but you should ask around for references anyway. Your friends and family may know someone who has had the surgery, or they may have had it done themselves and did not let anyone know. Either way, this is a good way to get a list of doctors to consider, as well as doctors to avoid based on bad experiences. Additionally, you can ask your primary care doctor for recommendations since most physicians have a list of surgeons to which they regularly refer patients.
Another free way to find a good blepharoplasty surgeon is to look online for information about the ones you have been referred to. Many have websites on which they list their qualifications, but you may also find objective websites that include the history of each doctor that you are interested in. You should ensure that the blepharoplasty surgeon you are considering has a current valid medical license and is certified by a legitimate plastic surgery board for your area, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many websites also list malpractice lawsuits or other disciplinary actions against surgeons, as well as educational background and number of years employed as a blepharoplasty surgeon.
Many surgeons offer a free initial consultation, during which you are encouraged to ask questions about both the doctor and the surgery in general. Use this time to ask the surgeon whether he has hospital privileges in case there is an issue during the surgery that requires hospitalization. You should also ask questions about your doctor's history when it comes to eyelid surgery, such as the rate of complications, the type of anesthesia used, and whether his office has been inspected and certified as a surgical facility. You can also use the consultation to ask if you can contact past patients to find out about their experiences, as well as view photos taken both before and after the surgery.