Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgery that repairs eyelids involved in removing excess skin, muscle and fat. As we age, the eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them start to weaken, as a result, fat gets above and below the eyelids, causing sagging eyebrows, droopy upper eyelids and bags under your eyes.
Who should undergo Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty might be an option for:
• Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
• Excess skin of the upper eyelids that partially blocks peripheral vision
• Excess skin on the lower eyelids
• Bags under the eyes
How do I prepare for surgery?
A physical examination is conducted by the surgeon, which may include testing your tear production and measuring parts of your eyelids.
Similarly, a vision examination is conducted by the ophthalmologist to test your vision, including your peripheral vision.
Eyelid photography; photos from different angles are taken to help with planning the surgery, and documenting.
What happens during the surgery?
It is a day care procedure; both the upper and lower eyelids can be addressed at the same time.
Upper eyelid surgery
Sagging, wrinkled skin on the upper eyelids can give a tired appearance and upper eyelid surgery can remove the excess skin and restore the natural shape of your eyelids giving a more refreshed appearance to your eyes.
The surgeon will generally work on your upper lids first. He or she will cut along the folds of the eyelid, remove excess skin, muscle and possibly fat and closes the cut.
Lower eyelid surgery
Puffy “bags” on the lower eyelids is due to fat which gets collected beneath the eyes. Puffy lower eyelids can occur in patients at a younger age, causing them to look much older than they are.
On the lower lid, the surgeon makes a cut just below the lashes in your eyes natural crease or inside the lower lid. He or she removes or redistributes the excess fat, muscle and sagging skin and closes the cut. It helps in recreating smooth natural contour beneath the eyelid.
How long does a blepharoplasty procedure take?
A surgeon can typically complete an upper blepharoplasty in about 45 minutes to one hour. It takes about two hours if both upper and lower eyelids are done at the same time, depending on whether fat is repositioned or if there’s additional work performed.
What to expect after surgery?
• Patients usually have a short recovery time after blepharoplasty.
• Although bruising and swelling is usually worse on day after surgery, they quickly begin to disappear. During the first 48 hrs, the use of cool compresses can greatly reduce the bruising and swelling around the eyes and face. By 2 weeks, majority of the swelling and bruising will resolve.
• Bandages are placed over incision sites which are removed after a few days. The stitches remain for a week .
• Most people return to their normal activities after 7 to 10 days following blepharoplasty.
How long does a blepharoplasty last?
Blepharoplasty won’t stop your eyes from aging. But the results usually last a long time. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty?
- Restoring a Younger Shape Above the Eyes
- Looking More Rested and Alert
- A Boost of Confidence
- An Improved Field of Vision
- More Freedom for Cosmetic Creativity
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