BLEPHAROPLASTY

OBJECTIVES

Blepharoplasty (cosmetic eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids; it can treat:
» Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the natural contour of the upper eyelid
» Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
» Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
» Bags under the eyes
» Droopiness of the lower eyelids
» Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW

Blepharoplasty removes excess skin, eliminates nags and restores firmness to the area surrounding the eye. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in the upper and lower eyelids and surrounding regions. This degree of correction of drooping eyelids, puffiness or bags can only be achieved surgically, by repositioning muscle, redistributing fat that has settled into contours and when necessary by removing excess skin.

Skin resurfacing techniques (browlift, facelift) may be recommended to further improve the tone and surface appearance of skin surrounding the eye. The incision lines from blepharoplasty are well concealed within the natural structures of the eyelid region. Results appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region and rejuvenated appearance.

RECOVERY

After procedure, lubricant ointment and cold compresses may be applied, and in some cases the eyes may be loosely covered with gauze. Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be controlled with medication, cold compresses and ointment or eye drops. Irritation at the incision sites is also possible.

A return to normal activity is possible within a few days of surgery. Healing of incisions may take 5 to 10 days at which time any sutures will be removed and will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and incision lines improve. The use of darkly tinted sunglasses is essential.

RISKS

Risks associated with blepharoplasty include poor healing or infection at the incision site, temporarily blurred or impaired vision and dry eye. Difficult closing of eyes is also possible and usually temporary. Ectropion, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur in a small number of cases and is often temporary. All surgery risks carries risks associated with anesthesia.

RESULTS

The final result will appear within several weeks. It may take time up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, the patient will continue to age naturally.