Droopy eyelids may interfere with your field of vision
and/or make you look older than you are. Puffiness and
bags under your eyes typically give a tired and worn
appearance. These problems can be corrected with a procedure
called blepharoplasty, or more commonly know as, eyelid
surgery.
What is it?
Blepharoplasty is an in-office surgical procedure
where the surgeon removes excess fat, muscle and skin
from the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty does
not eliminate dark circles from under the eyes or wrinkles
around the eyes.
What to expect?
As with all surgery, realistic expectations are extremely
important, therefore, an in-depth consultation with
the surgeon is a must at our center in order for you
to make an informed decision. If, after consultation,
you decide that blepharoplasty is for you, you will
be given a pre-surgical packet with important instructions
to follow prior to the procedure. Typically, these instructions
include the discontinuation of all aspirin products
for 7 days prior to surgery. In addition, before scheduling
your blepharoplasty, you will want to discuss with the
surgeon any and all medications you are taking, even
if they are over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamins, as
some products may prolong bleeding. Unless you are instructed
otherwise, continue to use your regular medications
as you normally would. Wear loose, comfortable clothing
to the center on the day of surgery. Do not wear make-up.
Blepharoplasty is performed using topical anesthetics
to numb the lid area so you will not be asleep during
the procedure. The surgeon marks the upper lid, designating
the natural lines and creases in order to keep the incision
scars obscured. Once the incision is made, excess fat,
muscle and tissue are taken away. Fine sutures are then
used to close the incision. If the lower lid is being
done, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid where
it will be invisible. The usual blepharoplasty takes
between 1 and 2 hours to perform and heals completely
in a few months.
Some swelling, bruising, and possible discomfort may
be expected after the surgery. An icepack will be applied
to the area before you leave our office in order to
minimize this. Also, you will continue to use an icepack
on the eye area for 2-3 days afterward. In addition,
you will need to sleep with your head elevated for a
few days.
The surgeon will want to see you at the center the next
day to make sure everything is perfect. The stitches
will typically be removed in about one week.
As with all surgeries, good health and realistic expectations
are important. Our doctors will be happy to discuss
in detail the procedures available to you and how you
may benefit from each of them. At The Ophthalmic Center
an informed patient is always our best patient.
