 Blepharoplasty
Why Blepharoplasty?
As people age they tend to develop pouches above their upper eyes and bags beneath their lower eyes. This is partly due to gravity and also partly due fat deposits and fluid that may settle over time in these areas. Cosmetic blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has been used for years to correct these types of problems.
Modern laser blepharoplasty is a sophisticated procedure which minimizes the invasions. Incisions tend to bleed less and thus the time it takes to perform most operations may be decreased slightly (because there's far more to most operations than simply controlling bleeding).
Although a blepharoplasty is commonly perceived as a cosmetic procedure, it may be covered under insurance if the drooping flesh above the eyes is perceived by a doctor as interfering with your vision. Although a blepharoplasty, also sometimes called an eyelid lift, can eliminate pouches (blepharoplasty boulder removal) above the eyes it will not eliminate wrinkles, crow’s feet or lift your eyebrows.
Sometimes a blepharoplasty is used to add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes. However the procedure does not eliminate other characteristics, such as slanting that may facially identify an Asian heritage.
Are You an Ideal Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Though blepharoplasty plastic surgery (eyelid surgery) is a relatively simple operation, you may not be a good candidate for it if:
- You suffer from unrealistic expectations about a change of appearance will transform your entire life
- You have a history of obsessive compulsion or low self-esteem that has led to depression or neurosis
- You are not physically healthy or suffer from an underlying disease
- You have thyroid problems
- You have hypothyroidism or Grave’s Disease
- You suffer from dry eye or lack of sufficient tears
- You have high blood pressure
- You have diabetes
- There is a history of glaucoma in your family or you have been diagnosed with glaucoma
- You have a history of a detached retina in your family or have been diagnosed with a detached retina
In addition to the above points please get a realistic picture of blepharoplasty by getting the big picture of procedure. Consider the following points.
- Blepharoplasty is for drooping bags and puffy eyelids
- Check out blepharoplasty before and after pictures and photos
- Know the cost of blepharoplasty
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and can financially afford the operation. The operation is usually performed on individuals who are over 35 but if genetics have endowed you with pendulous upper eyelids you might consider having this surgery done at an earlier age to improve your appearance.
During an initial consultation before the surgery, your surgeon or a nurse will test your vision and assess your tear production. Blepharoplasty is usually performed under local anesthesia in a hospital or in the doctor’s eyes. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area around your eyes and you may also be given oral or intravenous sedatives. You might also be given general anesthesia so you can sleep through the operation.
Blepharoplasty - Cosmetic Procedure
Depending on how much work needs to be done eyelid surgery usually takes one to three hours to complete. Typically the surgeon will make incisions that follow the crease of your upper or lower eyelids. He or she will then separate the skin from the underlying tissues, remove excess fat and suture the skin back up again.
Blepharoplasty - Aftercare
After surgery your doctor will advise you to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising Any stitches are removed one to two days after surgery. For a few weeks afterwards experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light and crusting or gummy eyelids. To deal with the sensitivity to light you might want to wear sunglasses for a few months afterwards.
Blepharoplasty - Complications
Complications with blepharoplasty are usually infrequent and very minor however like all surgery, a blepharoplasty does have some risks. These risks include infection, bleeding, swelling and a reaction to drugs or anesthesia.
Complications that are particular to a blepharoplasty can include blurred or double vision, swelling and an asymmetrical look to the eyelids. Small white pustules that resemble whitehead may also break out in the area of the stitches. Most of these side effects disappear within days or weeks and are rarely permanent conditions.
The most severe consequence of may be an inability to close your eyes when you sleep. This can occur temporarily or it can be a consequence of the surgeon removing too much flesh from the eyes. In either case, an eye patch might have to be worn when you sleep to block out the light.
Over time the scars in your eyelid creases will become thin white lines. Nobody will notice your scars but they will notice your new youthful look. The results of eyelid surgery are usually permanent and its youthful effects last for years. Eyelid surgery costs less than other plastic surgery procedures like breast implants, buttock implants or calf augmentation.
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