Eyelid Surgery
(Blepharoplasty)
Got tired eyes or bags under the eyes? Then consider eyelid surgery. This
procedure, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces bagginess
from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids.
The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle and underlying
fatty tissue. While it is primarily a cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty is
also an effective method for improving sight in older patients whose sagging
upper eyelids obstruct their vision.
Blepharoplasty will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, remove crow's
feet or other facial wrinkles. It is often performed in conjunction with other
facial surgery procedures such as laser
resurfacing or forehead
lifts.
The Eyelid Aging Process
As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity,
combined with the constant pull from gravity causes excessive skin to collect
in the upper and lower eyelids. Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles
and bulges and on the upper eyelids an extra fold of skin forms which can hang
over the eyelashes and obstruct vision.
Bulges in the upper and lower eyelids can also be caused by the fat that
cushions the eyeball from the skull. The thin membrane that holds the fat in
place weakens with age, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals with good physical
and mental health who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older,
but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have
the surgery at a younger age.
Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence.
However, it may not result in your ideal look or cause people to treat you any
differently. Blepharoplasty will not alter your facial structure. It is
important to know your face well before you decide to have surgery. Think
carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Are the Changes Made by Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
Blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging. However, the procedure is
usually very long lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to
seven years to an entire lifetime, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to
be done more than once.
If your lids are once again sagging, the proper procedure is oftentimes a
forehead lift, not another blepharoplasty.
How Should I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery?
You will need to have another person drive you home after your surgery. You
should also have someone stay with you the night of the procedure.
Expect and plan to stay home from work and limit your activities for several
days after surgery to give your eyelids a chance heal. Some patients experience
dry eyes after surgery, but the condition rarely lasts more than two weeks. If
you have dry eyes lasting more than two weeks, contact your doctor.
At home, you should have the following items readily accessible:
- Ice cubes
- Ice pack or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn or
peas.
- Small gauze pads
- Bowl (for water)
- Eye drops or artificial tears (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type
to meet your particular needs)
- Clean washcloths and towels
- Over-the-counter painkillers (which your doctor can recommend)
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Blepharoplasty usually takes about two hours if both upper and lower eyelids
are done together. Your doctor will most likely use local anesthesia (a
painkiller injected around the eye) with oral sedation.
If you are having the procedure completed at a hospital or surgical center,
you will most likely receive intravenous sedation.
If you're having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on
the upper lids first. The surgeon will usually make incisions following the natural lines of your
eyelids. Through these incisions, he or she will separate the skin from the
underlying tissue and remove the excess fat, skin and muscle. The incisions are
then closed with very small sutures. There will be sutures in both upper lids that will remain for three to six
days. The lower lids may or may not require sutures depending upon the
technique used.
Surgery on the lower eyelids may be done using one of several techniques.
The transconjunctival technique is performed by making an incision inside the
eyelid. No incision is visible following surgery. Through the incision, fat may
be removed to correct baggy lower eyelids. Then, fine lines in the skin can be
softened using a C02 or
erbium laser.
Another method, called the transcutaneous technique requires an incision
along the eyelash margin. Through the incision, excess skin, loose muscle and
fat can be removed. The incision line fades after a short amount of time.
After either of these procedures, laser resurfacing may be
recommended.
Next: What Should I Expect During Recovery? »
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
- Black Eye - Learn about causes of a black eye, home remedies, when to seek medical care for a black eye or swollen eye, and complications of a black eye such as traumatic uveitis, hyphema, glaucoma, orbital floor fracture, and retinal detachment.
- Facelift -
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