Blepharoplasty Procedures
Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the eyelids. The procedure can eliminate droopiness of the lids and puffiness under the eyes. it can also reduce fine lines and other signs of aging. Some people choose this procedure to alter the shape of their eyes. As a rule, blepharoplasty is performed as an out patient surgery. If a patient is having multiple facial surgeries he may be need to stay overnight at a hospital following the procedures.
The Surgery
The blepharoplasty procedure requires that the surgeon make incisions. The surgeon aill make the incisions in the eye crease to minimize the appearance of scarring. On the upper eyelid the incision is placed in the crease of the lid. On the lower lid the incision will be made just under the eyelashes. a patient can choose to have surgery only on the upper or only on the lower lid of the eye.
In order to eliminate crow's feet, the incision may be extended into the creases at the outer corner of the eye.
As with the majority of anti aging procedures, the skin is separated form the underlying layers of tissue. Excess fatty tissue is removed and excess skin is trimmed. Incisions are closed with extremely fine sutures.
For younger patients who simply want fatty tissue, or bags under the eye removed, the incision can be mad inside the lower lid of the eye. The fatty tissue can be removed through the incision. This procedure is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty is requires some elasticity in the skin. The outer skin and other tissues are not altered.
Depending on the extent of the individual surgery, the surgery will take sixty minutes to three hours. If blepharoplasty is being performed with other facial procedures, the surgery will take longer.
Recovery
Following surgery, the eyes will be lubricated with an ointment to prevent dryness. Bandages may be applied to the incision sites if they are needed. When the surgical anesthetic wears off, patients may experience tightness and mild to moderate pain around the eyelids. If the pain is severe, the patient should contact his surgeon immediately.
Oral pain relievers will be prescribed, and should be obtained prior to having surgery. Before having any type of surgery, patients should discuss with their doctor any adverse reactions they may have had to pain medications or antibiotics. Patients should be aware of the symptoms of and adverse reaction. Anyone taking a prescription drug should always follow dosage directions carefully.
The patient will be provided with a list of post operative instructions. It is very important that the patient understands the instructions completely and discusses any questions he may have with the surgeon before returning home. A typical list is provided here for the reader's information.
The head should be kept elevated for several days after surgery. This will aid in reducing post surgical swelling and bleeding.
Cold compresses or cold packs should be applied to the eyelids at regular intervals. This also reduces swelling and can assist in reducing post surgical discomfort.
The the incisions and surrounding area must be kept clean. This instruction will come with recommendations for removing gummy or crusty build-up around the eyes without disturbing the sutures.
Following surgery the eyes may feel dry and irritated. Eye drops may be prescribed to keep the eyes moist. Patients should only use the prescribed eye drops and consult their physician before using any commercial eye drops.
Sensitivity to light, excess tearing and blurred vision is expected for several days following the surgery.
Bruising is common and can last from two weeks to one month depending on the individual. Consult your physician before using any cosmetic products on your eyes. Cosmetic products may interfere with healing or cause an infection.
The surgeon will make an appointment for follow up examination after the surgery. Depending on the patient and the progress of healing, more than one visit may be needed.
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