Blepharoplasty, more commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to improve one's appearance by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper or lower eyelids.
As people age, the muscles around the eyelids can weaken and lose elasticity, causing fat deposits to gather above or below the eyelids. This causes puffiness below your eyes, droopy upper lids, and sagging eyebrows. Excess sagging skin can make a person look older or constantly tired. It can even affect one's vision.
A blepharoplasty aims to correct these issues while providing the patient with a more youthful and energised look.
The best candidates for eyelid surgery include individuals who are in generally good health but have:
●
Puffiness or
bags under the eyes
●
Droopy upper
eyelids
●
Excess skin
on the lower or upper eyelids
● Difficulty seeing due to excess skin on their eyelids
The ideal candidate for eyelid surgery should also be a non-smoker, and should have realistic expectations on the outcome of the surgery.
That said, here's what you can expect from the procedure.
Before The Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will conduct a thorough medical examination before the procedure, usually in coordination with an eye specialist or ophthalmologist. They will review your medical history, including conditions that may affect the procedure such as glaucoma and diabetes. They will also ask about past and current medications, allergies, alcohol intake, and drug use.
Aside from this medical exam and interview, it is likely that your physician will also take photos of your eyelids and conduct a thorough visual exam.
It's important for you to establish a good relationship with your physician early in the process. This is the best time to set the right expectations on the outcome of the surgery. Your physician will encourage you to ask important questions and address any concerns.
During The Surgery
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure. It can be done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries such as brow or face-lifts.
During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will inject a numbing agent into your eyelids. The physician then creates an incision along the fold of the eyelid, removes the excess skin, tissue, and muscle, and then sutures the wound.
Recovery
You will be asked to stay in the recovery room and recuperate for a few hours after your surgery. You can then leave on the same day. Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Your doctor will recommend the following measures to help manage the after-effects of the procedure and promote a speedy recovery:
● Gently clean the area on a regularbasis. Use the prescribed topical medications to prevent infection.
● To soothe pain and inflammation, use an ice pack or cold compress for 10 minutes every hour after the procedure.
● Avoid rubbing your eyes.
● Avoid strenuous activities. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the elements.
● Avoid using contact lenses until 2 weeks after the surgery.
●
Consult your
doctor if you have difficulty breathing, have a high temperature, or if your
wound is showing signs of infection.
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