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Facial Surgery
 Pl1astic surgery eye lid surgery blepharoplasty
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Eyelid Plastic Surgery - BlepharoplastyEyelid Plastic Surgery - Introduction
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure involving the reshaping of the upper eyelid and / or lower eyelid through the removal of excess tissue. The procedure is used to correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing fat, as well as excess skin and muscle, from the upper eyelid and or lower eyelid.
The removal of fat is usually done in conjunction with the removal of drooping skin and muscle to make the eyes look more youthful. Though it can not help with crow’s feet and other light wrinkles, it can make a patient’s face look more refreshed. Blepharoplasty can also help to add an eyelid crease in those patients of Asian descent, while not eliminating evidence of ethnicity. In many cases, eyelid surgery is done in conjunction with other plastic surgeries, i.e., facelifts, browlifts, etc
Eyelid Plastic Surgery – The Suitable Candidates
As with any surgery, there are patients that are better suited for blepharoplasty and make the best candidates. It is good to note, as with all plastic surgeries, no surgery can make a person into their ideal image. When a patient works with a doctor to determine what can be achieved and understands that realistic results should be expected, then blepharoplasty may be just what they need to improve their self confidence and self-image. Men and women with good physical and psychological health are the prime candidates for Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Those aged above thirty-five are, though, the best candidates for eyelid surgery, those who are genetically predisposed to droopy eyelids may consider blepharoplasty at a younger age.
Eyelid Plastic Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Precautions
There are some medical conditions that may make blepharoplasty more risky. Patients with thyroid problems, dry eyes, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or a detached retina may experience problems. A frank discussion with one’s doctor prior to the surgery will help to determine whether or not a patient will be able to have the blepharoplasty surgery.
Eyelid Plastic Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Before Surgery
As with any surgery, blepharoplasty does have risks to consider. When the patient has chosen a qualified surgeon with a lot of experience doing blepharoplasty, then these risks are lessened. A patient’s vision may be blurred or double for a few days following surgery. Swelling at the corners of the eyelids, asymmetry, difficulty closing the eyes when sleeping, and a pulling down of the lower lids are some of the possible complications of blepharoplasty. In many cases, side effects can be corrected by further surgery. Infection and reaction to the anesthesia used may also follow a patient’s blepharoplasty.
Prior to the blepharoplasty, the surgeon will test the patient’s eyesight as well as go over his/her medical history. It is imperative that all medications and medical conditions are disclosed at the initial consultation so that the physician can determine if the patient is suited for the blepharoplasty. Patients who smoke may be asked to quit prior to the surgery as smoking can hinder the healing process. The patient should also be sure to bring any eye health information along with them, as well as contacts or glasses that they might wear.
The surgeon will discuss the realistic expectations of the blepharoplasty as well as discuss the anesthesia options and place of the surgery. Usually performed on an outpatient basis, blepharoplasty can be done in a surgical center, office-based facility, or in a hospital. Blepharoplasty is usually done under local anesthetic—numbing only the affected area—along with sedation. The patient will be conscious and very relaxed during the procedure, but unable to feel pain. There may be some discomfort during the blepharoplasty, but it will be minor. Some patients may not want to be conscious during the procedure and can opt for general anesthesia.
Eyelid Plastic Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Procedure
Blepharoplasty can take anywhere from one to three hours to perform, depending on the case. If all of the eyelids are to be operated on, then the surgeon will generally start with the upper eyelids first, followed by the lower lids. The surgeon will make small incisions along the lines of the eyelids, separating excess fat and skin from the lids, and stitching the incisions up when done. In some cases, the incision may be placed inside the lower eyelid, resulting in no visible scar.
Blepharoplasty is performed by small incisions being made along the natural lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids. The skin is then separated from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, excess fat is removed, and sagging skin and muscle will be trimmed. Finally, the incisions are closed and usually take one to two weeks to heal. This procedure typically takes one to three hours to complete.
Following the blepharoplasty, ointment may be placed on the incision sites as well as bandages. Pain medication will be given to alleviate any discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. If any severe pain is felt, the patient should contact their surgeon immediately. The patient will need to keep his/her head elevated following the blepharoplasty and apply cold compresses—these steps will help to reduce swelling and discomfort. Bruising will occur, but subsides within a week or two of the procedure. The surgeon or nurse will instruct the patient on how to clean the area. Eye drops may be given to help with any eye dryness that the patient may experience following the blepharoplasty. Stitches are usually removed within two weeks of the surgery.
Eyelid Plastic Surgery (Blepharoplasty) - Aftereffects
Most patients feel that they are able to return to work within ten days, depending on the extent of their blepharoplasty and the opinion of the physician. There may be times that their vision is not normal and contacts may not be able to be worn for a few weeks. Normal activities can be resumed within three weeks. Strenuous activities can increase the blood flow to the area and hinder proper healing.
Scars from a blepharoplasty will remain pink for six months or more following the surgery, but they will eventually fade. Results of blepharoplasty can last for years, and for many patients, the results are permanent.