Blepharoplasty

What is blepharoplasty?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and give a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of the eyes, making the expression look more rested and alert.

Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:

• Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision;
• Fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids;
• Bags under the eyes;
• Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris;
• Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid.

The first step

The medical appointment is the first step and it is the time to discuss why you want to have this surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome.

At this stage the patient should report his health history, previous surgeries, current medications and the use of alcohol or tobacco. Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye or a detached retina should be reported.

Procedure steps

The surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Each case is individually analyzed to recommend the best choice.

The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region.

The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits and removal of excess skin.

Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower lash line. Through this incision, excess skin and fat in the lower eyelid is removed. A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.

Usually the patient may be discharged on the same day of surgery. Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation, dry eyes and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.

The results of eyelid surgery appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance.

Source: www.plasticsurgery.org