Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty - Plastic Surgery
Background on Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid procedure, corrects the way genetics and age affect the appearance of the eyes. Aging eyes convey fatigue, anger, and sadness. Eyelid surgery significantly rejuvinates the entire face and allows the "windows of the soul" to be seen again. Blepharoplasty can be both a functional and cosmetic surgical procedure intended to reshape the upper or lower eyelid by the removal of excess tissue as well as by reinforcement of surrounding muscles and tendons. Small amounts of fat around the eye make people appear much older than they are and can devastate someone's self confidence and self esteem.
Blepharoplasty - Are You A Candidate?
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their eyes, are in general good health, and have realistic expectations of what the procedure can accomplish.
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Eyelid Surgery - Procedures & Risks
An eyelid procedure is performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid.
Transconjuctival Blapharoplasty
This procedure on the lower eyelids involves removing lower eyelid fat through an incision on the back of the eyelid, eliminating the need for an external incision. Therefore, incision is visible following surgery. Through the incision, fat may be removed to correct baggy lower eyelids.
Risks
Certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, dry eyes, and hypothyroidism are relative risk factor for eylid surgery, so it is best to inform your surgeon if you suffer from any of these problems. Always speak to your board certified plastic surgeon about the potential risks of eyelid surgery before you decide on your procedure.
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Where Blepharoplasty Surgery is Performed
Most eyelid surgeries are outpatient procedures carried out in a hospital, surgical center, or in the doctor's office. Few patients need to stay overnight in the hospital unless the blepharoplasty is combined with other procedures.
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Anesthesia for Eyelid Surgery
Local anesthetics combined with an IV sedative are commonly used during eyelid procedures. You will be sleepy but still able to answer questions and respond to commands. Ask your doctor during your initial consultation about their preferred anesthetic.
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Planning for Blepharoplasty Surgery
It is important to inform your doctor of your medical history, for certain conditions can interfere with the procedure and outcome of the surgery. During the initial consultation your surgeon will test your eyesight, your tear production, and review your eye health. You should discuss what you expect the procedure to accomplish openly and frankly with your doctor, for honest exchange will often prevent complications in the future. Your surgeon will then go over the procedure with you in detail, discuss the type of anesthetic used, and give you tips on how to cope during the recovery phase.
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Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including restrictions on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins or drugs. Follow these guidelines carefully and your procedure will have fewer complications.You will need transportation to and from the office after the surgery, and to have someone take care of youfor the first day or so afterwards.
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How Eyelid Surgery is Performed
Eyelid surgery takes between one and three hours, according to the nature of the surgery. During the operation the surgeon will make small incisions along the natural curves of your eyes, typically beginning with the upper lids. Once the skin is open, the doctor will remove the fatty deposits and also remove any excess skin or muscle that causes the eyelids to droop. Very fine sutures hold the incisions together to tighten and shape sagging skin and muscles.
In some cases your doctor will make an incision on the interior of the lower eyelid to remove a fatty deposit that does not require skin adjustment. This is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty, and is often most preformed on younger people who have thicker, more elastic skin.
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Recovery from a Blepharoplasty Procedure
Recovery from eyelid surgery varies. Most poeople take approximately one week off work and are able to cover the minor bruising with makeup. You will be able to read and perform tasks a couple of days after surgery.
It is important to take proper care of the eyes after the procedure, and doctors usually prescribe antibacterial medicine administered through eye drops. Special hygienic makeup is available to conceal any bruising or swelling that remains after the procedure. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also useful to prevent aggravation of the eyes by wind, sun, and other potential irritants. Most doctors advise their patients to avoid alcohol as well because it can cause your body to retain excess fluids. The swelling soon recedes and the bruises subside you will find yourself with a new set of eyes that you are ready to show the world.
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Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty Questions & Answers
How long will my Blapharoplasty results last?
A blepharoplasty does not stop your eyes from aging. However, the procedure is usually very long lasting. Upper eyelid surgery lasts anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime. Lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
Cosmetic Surgery 
