Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

 

 

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes excess folds of skin in the upper lids and pouches under the eyes (lower lids). Whether to improve your appearance, your vision, or both, reconstructive surgery usually produces a very pleasing effect and gives you a more rested, youthful look. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is accompanied by a procedure known as a brow lift. Blepharoplasty can be performed on one eyelid or on both. These procedures are generally performed by a Cosmetic surgeon.

 

Blepharoplasty, Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery, Eye Lift

 

Your eyes are an expressive feature - one that people notice first - and your eyelids are part of that feature. The eyes are also the first of our features to show signs of age. As skin around the eye area ages, excess folds appear in the upper and lower lids.

Blepharoplasty can have a dramatic effect on your eyelids, restoring a brighter, more rested appearance. Eyelift is one of the most satisfying facial cosmetic procedures because recovery is brief while results are long lasting. And let's face it;

" when we look better, we feel better" .

Over time, your eyelids may thin and lose elasticity, which causes them to sag. Often, fat from behind the eyeball migrates forward, giving the appearance of "baggy eyes". If severe, it can interfere with vision or wearing glasses. At first, bags or sagging eyelids may be noticeable mostly in the morning.

As the condition progresses, you may look tired throughout the day.

In addition to changing your appearance, sagging eyelids may interfere with your vision.

 

Your surgeon probably will suggest an initial consultation. He or she will discuss your condition, expectations, and probable results.

Your surgeon may require

you to have your vision and tear production assessed by an eye doctor. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones,skin as well as fat will be removed.
any additional procedures, such as facelift or brow lift, are appropriate.

 

Plan For eyelid Surgery

 

Be prepared to have your "before" pictures taken. Inform the surgeon of any allergies or any vitamins or medications (prescription or over-the-counter) you are taking.
After you and your surgeon decide on the type of eyelid surgery, you will discuss the technique indicated for your individual procedure. Together, you will discuss the type of anesthesia, surgical facility, any supportive surgery, and the risks and cost involved.

Ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Blepharoplasty may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital. It's usually done on an outpatient basis; rarely does it require an inpatient stay. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.

 

Preparation For Eyelid Surgery

 

• Carefully following these preoperative instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly
• Ask when you should eliminate aspirin and other similar medications before surgery.
  
• Aspirin inhibits blood clotting.
  
• Don't eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight the day before surgery.
  
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and help you out for a few days, if needed.

  
  

The Surgical Procedure of eyelid rejuvenation

 

Blepharoplasty usually is performed in an outpatient facility under local anesthesia in a matter of one or two hours. If local anesthesia is used, you will be well sedated but partially awake during the surgery. You may be able to tell that the surgeon is working on your eyes, but you will not feel any pain. If general anesthesia is used, you will sleep through the procedure.

 

 

 

Eyelid Rejuvenation usually is performed on the upper lids first, then the lower lids. Whether you are having upper, lower, or both lids done, the procedure generally follows this format: Making the incision. Incisions will be made following natural lines and creases, extending into fine lines or crow's feet at the outer edges of your eyes.

Achieving a better shape. Excess skin, fat, and muscle are removed at the surgeon's discretion.

Closing the incisions. The number of sutures (stitches) varies, depending on your surgeon's judgment. These delicate sutures will be removed three to four days after your surgery. Hairline scars will fade, becoming barely visible within 6 to 8 weeks.

Protecting the eyes. Moist gauze will be applied to your eyes after sutures are in place.

 

Good Candidate For Eyelid Surgery

 

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain factors that make you a suitable candidate:

• good health

• good muscle tone under your eyes (if considering lower-lid surgery)
  

• healthy skin with no serious sun damage
  

• an understanding that the procedure will not eliminate further signs of aging.
  

• an understanding that the procedure cannot correct crow's feet, fine wrinkles under your eyes, or severely sagging brows.

 

Need for a Brow Lift or Forehead Lift

 

If eyebrows have dropped significantly, an upper-lid blepharoplasty may not be enough to remove all the loose skin. A brow lift can be done separately, or together with the blepharoplasty.

During the procedure:

• The skin of the forehead is peeled forward from an incision made across the top of the head from one ear to the other.
• Muscles are removed and/or weakened.
• Skin is tightened upwards, raising the eyebrows.
• Excess skin is removed and the incision suture.

 

Risks And Complications of eyelift

 

As with any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and complications.

For eyelid surgery, the following are possible:

• Bleeding
  
• Infection
  
• Blood clots
  
• Visible scars
  
• Tightness in lids
  
• Drooping lower lids
  
• Dryness
  
• Partial vision loss in one eye (extremely rare)
  
• Blindness (extremely rare)
  
• Usually, these conditions improve within weeks.
• Occasionally, however, these conditions are permanent, or further surgical procedures are necessary to correct them.

 

 

The Recovery Process

• You will find that your recovery process is fairly quick both immediately following surgery and in the weeks that follow.
• You will stay in the recovery room for one or two hours and released once you are no longer groggy from the anesthesia and danger of abnormal bleeding, nausea, or swelling has passed.
• Ice compresses will reduce swelling and bruising.
  
• Pain medication will be prescribed for you, if needed.
  
• Once home, your bruising and swelling will begin to subside. Healing will occur more quickly if you follow your surgeon's instructions.
• Avoid contact sports for one to two weeks.
  
• Avoid activities that can increase your pulse or blood pressure for two or three days to decrease your risk of bleeding and swelling.
  
• Call your surgeon immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: Vision problems Severe swelling or pain Heavy bleeding or yellow or green drainage

 

Lower eyelid rejuvenation

 

Upper Eyelid Rejuvenation

 

How To Promote Healing

• To minimize swelling: Sleep on your back and elevate your head.
  
• Apply ice compresses during waking hours for two days.
  
• If eyes are dry, ask your surgeon to prescribe an ointment.
  
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  
• Reswearing contact lenses and eye make-up only with your surgeon's permission.

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