Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Candidates:
- This procedure is a type of plastic surgery used to treat droopy eyelids. The doctor removes skin, muscle, and sometimes fat that may cause sagging to the area around the eyes.
- Sagging of the skin around the eyes is a natural part of aging, but this type of surgeries may be considered if patient is starting to find such effects bothersome.
- Candidates also seek out blepharoplasty if they have significant bags under their eyes or if their eyebrows are starting to sag.
- For some people, a blepharoplasty goes beyond cosmetic concerns as sometimes the vision also is affected by sagging skin. In fact, some people complain that their vision when looking upwards is blocked by the hanging skin.
- Before patients undergo this procedure, a physical examination is conducted. Vision and tear tests are also performed. Finally, doctors will take pictures of the eyelids to help in assisting the doctor during the procedure.
Procedure:
- Blepharoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis, patient can go home shortly after the procedure.
- Surgeons will inject a numbing agent into the eyelids. General anesthesia is only used for some people.
- The upper eyelids are addressed first. Here, the surgeon will make a small cut and remove excess skin, as well as muscle and sometimes fat.
- The lower lid blepharoplasty usually involves removal of fat, which contributes to the under-eye bags, as well as sometimes removing a small amount of skin.
- It’s important to rest for a few days immediately following eyelid surgery & it can take a week or two for these symptoms to fully go away.
- Surgeons may recommend ice packs for the next couple of days. Patients can’t wear contact lenses for two weeks following eyelid surgery & must be sure the alternative, such as prescription glasses are on hand.
- Patients don’t need to keep the eyes covered throughout the entire recovery phase, but might be sent home with gauze to protect the area. Patients must make sure to gently wash the area and keep it clean.
- After a few days, surgeon see the patient again for evaluation and to remove any stitches as necessary.
Side effects:
All types of surgery carry the risk of bleeding, bruising, and infection. Blood clots are also a rare, but serious risk. Other risks and complications include: blurry vision, damage from excessive sun exposure, dry eyes itchiness around the eye area, inability to close the eyes, muscle damage & scars.