Droopy eyelids can make you look older, worn and tired, and can also impair vision. Blepharoplasty corrects these problems by removing the excess fat, muscle and skin from both upper and lower lids. The result is a refreshed appearance with a younger, firmer eye area. Blepharoplasty may also be used to fill in or add volume to the lower lids. Your surgeon will assess your brow position as well as the extent of excess skin, skin laxity and fat deposits to determine the technique that will have the best results. Though blepharoplasty is often performed as a single procedure, your surgeon may also recommend combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift or laser skin resurfacing to achieve the best results.
Making the Decision
Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is a key factor in achieving your desired results. During your initial visit we will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your concerns and priorities and to establish an open patient-surgeon relationship. During the consultation, your surgeon will perform a slight tug to your eyelid skin to determine elasticity and ask questions concerning your vision, tear production, use of lenses and your desires for surgery. Other factors to be considered in determining anticipated surgical results include age, skin type, ethnic background and degree of vision obstruction. Additionally, your surgeon will offer information regarding anesthesia, the surgical facility and the costs for the procedure.
Understanding the Surgery
Prior to making any incisions, the surgeon marks the creases and natural folds for the best places to hide scars and to indicate how much tissue should be removed. Making incisions along natural lines and creases keeps scars well hidden. The incision is then made and the excess fat, muscle and loose skin removed. Fine running sutures are used to close the incisions, thereby further minimizing the visibility of any scar.
Lower eyelid surgery is similar in that the surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures. When correcting puffiness or recessed lower lids, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid and the excess fatty material is either removed, re-draped or fat may be added. These sutures are self-dissolving and leave no visible scar.
What to Expect After Surgery
Under normal conditions, the surgery may last for one to two hours. After surgery an antibiotic ointment should be applied both inside the eye and on the incisions to prevent dryness. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is to be expected. Cold compresses as well as head elevation while lying down will enhance healing and relieve discomfort.
For several weeks following blepharoplasty, the eyes may feel sticky, dry or itchy and eye drops as well as medication for discomfort may be recommended. Permanent stitches will be removed in four to six days after surgery. Self-absorbing stitches for the lower lid surgery will dissolve on their own. Patients should plan 10 days for recovery with 2 weeks of no strenuous activities.
Keep all post operative appointments as scheduled. Anything unusual should be reported to your doctor immediately.