Loading ...Eyelid surgery is also called Blepharoplasty. It is performed for either functional reasons or cosmetic purposes. Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure where excessive skin, excessive muscles and fat are removed from lower or upper, or both from upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery doesn’t remove facial wrinkles or dark circles under the eyes. Blepharoplasty is just good for removing excessive fat or muscles from that area.
Eyelid Surgery Before & After
The procedure takes about two to three hours to complete. In this surgery, external incisions are made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids. Patients may have swelling after the surgery that doesn’t last for long.
Aging process of the Eyelid
It is natural for us to lose the skin’s elasticity as we age. Lack of skin elasticity and other factors causes deformity both under and over the eyelids as excessive skin is collected there. When this happens, we find wrinkles and bulges on the lower eyelid, and extra fold of skin forms on the upper eyelids. Sometimes the extra folds of the skin hang over the eyelashes and can obstruct our vision.
Fat accumulation can also be a cause to make bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. The membrane that holds the fat weakens as we age, which allows the fat to protrude into the eyelids.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
- It can remove bags that are accumulated under the eyes
- Removes excess skin from the upper eyelids
- Improves appearance, increases youthful appearance
- Gets you rid of ‘tired’ look
- Ensures firmer and tighter eyelids
- Eyes will look brighter and cleaner
- Increases self confidence and self-esteem
- Clears the vision by taking out the extra folds of skin that hang over the eyelashes
Preparation for the Surgery
As the first preparatory step for the surgery, you should arrange for some helping hand. It is necessary since after the surgery, you can’t drive a car, and you need someone to help you do routine things at least for one night. You also have to arrange to stay at home and to limit your activities for few days after the surgery. Your eyelids need some time to recover and allow you to perform routine activities.
Before you go for the surgery, arrange the following items accessible at home:
- Gauze pads
- Ice cubes
- Ice pack
- Bowl for water
- Pain killer recommended by your doctor
- Eye drops or artificial tears recommended by your doctor
- Towels and wash cloths
You have to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. Stop taking medications, like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can cause increased bleeding.
Choosing a Surgeon
You must select a surgeon who you can trust in real terms. It is always better to choose an ASPS member surgeon. Ensure the following points:
- The surgeon should have completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years plastic surgery training.
- He should have enough plastic surgery experience also of the breast, face, body and reconstruction.
- Select a surgeon who strictly follows code of ethics.
- A surgeon must have the required medical education that ensures a patient’s safety.
- The surgeon should have the certification of the American Board of Plastic Surgery or of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Potential Complications of Eyelid Surgery
Persons who are considered fit for this surgery are those who enjoy good physical and mental health. Age is not an important factor that could influence surgery decision however it is common to have this surgery after 35 years when people started to feel the abnormalities.
Eyelid Surgery Procedure
If both the upper and lower eyelids are to be done together, a surgeon would need around two hours to complete the eyelid surgery. The patient will be given a local anesthesia dose around the eyes, and oral or intravenous sedation will be given too. Surgery will start with incisions over the natural lines of the eyelids. The surgeon will reach to the underlying tissue through these incisions and remove the excess skin, muscles, and fat from the area. Once the removal is done, the incisions will be closed with very small sutures. The sutures in the upper lids have to stay there for about 3 to 6 days. Sutures may or may not be required in the lower lids, which will depend on the type of technique used.
On the lower eyelids, usually transconjunctival technique is performed where an incision inside the eyelid will be made. Fat is removed and to correct baggy lower eyelids through these incisions. CO2 or erbium laser will be used to soften fine lines in the skin.
Another method, transcutaneous technique, is used where and incision along the eyelash margin is made. After both of the procedures, laser resurfacing is usually done.
After the Surgery
Once the surgery completes, your eyes will be lubricated with ointment and a bandage may be applied on to it. As the anesthesia wears off, you will start to experience a tight and sore feeling on the eyelids. This can, however, be controlled by taking painkillers. Contact the doctor if the pain is severe.
You have to keep your head elevated for several days. To help reduce the swelling and bruising, you will have to use cold compresses.
You will have excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary blurring or double vision during the first few weeks.
In some cases, patients may experience dry eyes after the surgery. However, this condition may not last for more than two weeks. If you suffer from dryness, burning or itching, you will have to use the eye drops recommended by your doctor.
What to Expect During Recovery
Due to the stitches, it is common to have swelling and occasionally bruising. Usually, people can recover from these discomforts in one or two weeks.
Potential Complications
There is some degree of risk in eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty. Though complications are rare, they may occur. The potential complications include infection, bleeding, dry eyes, inability to close eyes fully, abnormal discoloration of the eyelids skin, possible loss of vision, and pulled down lower lid lash line. If a patient experiences any of the symptoms, the doctor must be contacted immediately.
