Eyelid Surgery
Background on Eyelid Surgeries
Blepharoplasties, or eyelid procedures, 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.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.
A blepharoplasty can be preformed under either a general or a local anesthetic, and the surgery is now safer than ever. Dramatic improvement can be seen with relatively little downtime or risk.
Best Candidates for Blepharoplasty
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.
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.
Uncertainty and risk for Eyelid Surgery
Every type of surgery carries some form of risk. Speak to your board certified plastic surgeon about the potential risks of eyelid surgery before you decide on your procedure.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.
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.Where the 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.Type of anesthesia used
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.How the 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.
Post-op/Recovery
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.