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Blepharoplasty is one of
the earliest requested procedures for the aging face.
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Patients expect
blepharoplasty to be more of an inconvenience than it is.
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Surgery takes
approximately 1/2 hour for each eyelid. May be performed
alone or with a browlift.
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Incisions are in the
crease of the upper eyelid and near the lower lash line.
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Someone must drive you
home and to the office the next day.
Eyes will be sun sensitive. Bring dark glasses.
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This is a cosmetic
surgery, not covered by insurance, fees are paid in advance.
It is meant to reduce excessive skin folds in the upper and
lower eyelids. Will not necessarily removed crow's feet or
dark circles, although they may diminish. Brow lift is not
included in eyelid lift.
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Sometimes fat pads need
removed from lower eyelids or a muscle may need repositioned
for the best look.
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Swelling and bruising
vary with each patient. The bruising, under the eyes, is
similar to what you'd have it you caught a soft ball in the
nose.
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Just because this is a want
and not a need doesn’t mean it’s any different
than any other surgery. All surgery has the same
consequences - pain, bruising and swelling.
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Pain medication and
antibiotics scripts are called to your pharmacy in advance.
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May not be able to wear
contacts while eyes are irritated and swollen.
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You may receive vague
compliments, but it’s rare for anyone to notice a specific
change in your eyes (unless you tell).
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Your eyes will look more
open, rested, alert, happier - not necessarily year's
younger.
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Normal aging does not
stop. You may want this procedure repeated in the future
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If you have a two part
problem: excessive skin folds in the lids as well as droop
of the brow, both need to be treated or the results will not
be optimal.
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Surgery is on the eyelid
skin not the eyeball. Problems with vision or blindness is
extremely rare but it has been reported in the literature.
Usually related to improperly trained or inexperienced non
plastic surgeons, poor patient selection or over zealous
removal of large lower lid fat pads.
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Any surgery creates a
permanent scar that is red to pink followed by a progression
of fading.
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Sutures are removed in
5-7 days and makeup can be worn after this. May shower and
shampoo 24 hours after surgery.
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No aspirin products 10
days before surgery.
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MAO Inhibitors drugs,
diet pills and herbal remedies may need to be stopped.
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Take it easy for three
days, then resume all normal activity, except heavy lifting,
at your pace and comfort. You are never really
incapacitated. Time off work depends on how private you want
to be.
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I need to know if you
have thyroid problems, dry eye, uncontrolled blood pressure,
bleeding or problems with the eye such as glaucoma or
cataracts.
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Over correction may make the eyelids tight and pull away
from the globe. Not common and usually temporary.
