Blepharoplasty rejuvenates puffy, sagging or tired-looking eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve sight by lifting droopy eyelids out of the patient’s field of vision. Dr. Smith performs the procedure with local anesthesia in as little as 45 minutes. His surgery centre is discreet and convenient yet cost saving.
Common Questions
All of this information will be discussed during your pre-operative consultation.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgical procedures. As an oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Smith concentrates solely on eyelid surgery, thus gaining a particular expertise in this area. There are two types of blepharoplasty: Upper Lid and Lower Lid.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is used to improve two common problem areas: excess skin or ‘hooding’ of the upper eyelid, and/or puffiness in the inner corner and middle of the upper eyelid caused by herniation (pushing forward) of fat. Heredity and sun damage can accelerate these things.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is used to correct puffiness from fat herniation (pushing forward of fat) and also addresses excess skin.
What are some of the most common benefits of this surgery?
Eyelid blepharoplasty can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of your face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age. Your eyes appear fresher and more youthful, and these results may last for many years. The degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.
What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss the degrees of change you would notice in your appearance. The procedure itself, and its risks and limitation will be all explained to you. Your medical history will be reviewed, and then he will examine the skin and fat around your eyes. Your eyesight, peripheral vision, and tear ducts might be checked if necessary.
How is eyelid blepharoplasty performed?
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty: The incision is made in the natural skin fold. Excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, the muscles and orbital septum may be tightened and the incisions are carefully sutured closed. The external incisions are hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: The incision is made from the underside of the lid or close to the eyelash line. Excess fatty tissue and/or skin is removed. The skin is closed with very fine sutures.
After either procedure, the doctor will remove the sutures in approximately 5-7 days. A prescription for the steroid cream will be supplied to you at that visit to be used as directed.
How long does the surgery take?
Upper or lower eyelid blepharoplasty generally takes 1 hour to complete, depending on the extent of the repair.
How much pain is there?
Initially, you may feel a tight sensation around the eyes with minor discomfort that lasts for a day or two. A mild pain reliever can be taken as needed. People who have had the procedure are often surprised at how painless eyelid surgery can be.
What can I expect after surgery?
You will be given instructions to take home with you that describe the steps to take care of your eyelids after the surgery. The first evening after surgery you should rest with your head elevated. Cold compresses are to be used as per the instruction sheet.
What is the recovery period like?
At first, the incisions will probably be red and somewhat bumpy. Eventually, the resulting scar should become flat and inconspicuous. The swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you will start to look and feel better each day. Swelling and bruising vary from person to person. Bruising typically disappears within 7-10 days. After the first week, you will be allowed to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discolouration. Your vision might be blurry for a few days. Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You need to avoid wearing contact lenses for the first week. You might also consider wearing dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation. Your eyes may tire easily for several weeks.
What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
The more alert, youthful look that this surgery provides is usually long-lasting. Thin scars may remain slightly pink for six months, but can easily be concealed with makeup. They eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. The removal of fat is permanent, but the looseness of skin and fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may return in the future. Even though the aging process continues, patients are happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid surgery.
What are the risks?
Significant complications from upper or lower eyelid surgery are infrequent. As with any surgical procedure, however, there is always a possibility of infection or reaction to the anesthesia.
Other Potential Complications: Temporary problems such as excessive tearing, decreased sensation in the eyelid, dryness, burning, stinging, and gritty sensation of the eye(s) are helped with eye drops and time. The prominence of the scars, asymmetry in healing or scarring, milia or whiteheads where the sutures emanate from the skin, and difficulty closing the eyes completely are corrected with minor surgery. Bleeding behind the eye is extremely rare, but could cause visual loss. This presents as severe prolonged pain after surgery and should be dealt with immediately.
You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice of your surgeon before and after surgery. Pre-existing conditions can also put you at risk, including thyroid problems, insufficient tear production or dryness of the eye, elevated blood pressure, circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. If you have any of these conditions, discuss this with your surgeon before proceeding with this procedure.
