EYELID SURGERY (BLEPHAROPLASTY)

Cosmetic surgery of the eyelids (commonly referred to as blepharoplasty) can dramatically reverse the effects that aging has on this area of the face. Bags under the eyes, drooping eyebrows, and loose wrinkled skin can give a tired, sad, or angry expression to the entire face. The blepharoplasty operation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures today, and is designed to remove excess baggy skin and fat around the upper and/or lower eyelids. In addition, it can help eliminate wrinkles in certain areas, and re-suspend sagging tissues around the eyes. The blepharoplasty operation is often combined with other procedures to rejuvenate or improve the appearance of the face, forehead, chin, etc., and create a rested, more youthful appearance. This operation is one of the most requested procedures in the United States by men.

What to expect:

The operation is performed by making incisions within the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelids. By placing the incisions in these locations, healing occurs with virtually undetectable scars. The excess skin and any bulging fat is removed from selected areas, and the drooping skin and tissues from the cheek area can be lifted if needed at the same time. In patients with puffy lower eyelids and no skin excess, fat can be removed through an incision on the inside of the eyelid. There will be no external scar with this technique. If necessary, a browlift procedure can be done at the same time to lift sagging eyebrows back to a normal, more attractive position. The blepharoplasty operation, when done by itself, is usually done under local anesthesia with dsedation. Under certain circumstances, or if combined with other procedures, it may be done under general anesthesia (patient asleep). Operating time is usually 1 - 2 hours. Surgery is done as an out-patient procedure, meaning you come in and go home the same day. Swelling and bruising after the procedure can be minimized by keeping ice cold compresses on the eyelids and elevating the head for the first 24 hours. The stitches are removed within 3 to 5 days, and makeup can be applied at this time. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 7 to 14 days, often earlier.

Complications:

The incidence of complications after cosmetic eyelid surgery is unusual, but possible as with any operation. The potential problems include bleeding, infection, scarring, excessive tearing, or outward turning of the lower eyelid after lower lid surgery. Ask your plastic surgeon if you are a candidate for blepharoplasty, and see what changes are possible with this versatile and remarkable operation. >> click here to see before and after photos