What is a
blepharoplasty?
Aesthetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an operation to remove
excess skin and fat on upper and lower eyelids. It can eliminate conditions
that give an individual a tired appearance, such as wrinkled folds of
skin on upper eyelids, bags, under the eyes and sagging eyebrows.
Who is a good
candidate for a blepharoplasty?
Men and women of all ages benefit from blepharoplasty. In younger individuals,
blepharoplasty usually is performed to remove fatty tissue only. In
older patients, loss of skin tone will require excision of superfluous
skin as well.
Are there
risks involved?
While all surgery carries some risk, and plastic surgery is no exception,
serious complications are infrequent when the blepharoplasty is performed
by qualified plastic surgeon. Risk of complications can be minimized
by closely adhering to your surgeon’s advice on follow-up care.
What will
happen during surgery?
The surgery may take one to two hours or longer. Blepharoplasty may
be performed under a local anesthetic which numbs the area to be treated
or a general anesthetic may be used.
Blepharoplasty usually is performed first on the upper lid and then
the lower. Incision in the upper and lower eyelids are made following
natural lines and creases, and generally extend into the fine wrinkling,
or crow’s feet, at the eyes’ outer. In both areas, underlying compartments
of fat will be removed or fixed to underlying tissue of lower lid. Excess
skin is removed.
After surgery, there is soreness and discomfort which is easily controlled
by medication. You will be asked to keep your head slightly elevated
and apply cold compresses to your eyes to help reduce swelling and bruising.
The sutures are removed within a 5 days after surgery.
Blepharoplasty generally will improve but not remove fine wrinkling
at the outer edge of the eyelids.
Wearing of dark glasses to protect the eyes from wind and sun irritation
is suggested for two to three weeks.
The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends
on how fast you heal and how you feel. Sports should be avoided for
four weeks.
What is the
fee?
Fees and operative facility costs of blepharoplasty vary widely depending
on length and complexity of the operation. Additional expenses will
depend on the type of anesthesia used, and how long have you been in
a hospital.
What is your question?
