What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a Popular Procedure for Getting Rid of Bags and Wrinkles
Around and Beneath the Eyes
Blepharoplasty, also referred to as eyelid surgery, is a plastic surgery
procedure that is undertaken to improve the appearance of droopy lids or to
reduce the look of bags, wrinkles or fine lines around the eyes. The procedure
can treat or correct either the upper or lower eyelid.
By BruceBlaus
via Wikimedia Commons
Among youth-enhancing
facial procedures, blepharoplasty ranks only second to the facelift in
popularity.
How Blepharoplasty Can Be Used to Improve Your Appearance
Blepharoplasty is used to remove folds and puffiness around the upper lids and
to get rid of droopiness, sagging skin, and wrinkles when it is directed toward
the lower lids. Check out a before and after picture of someone who got this
procedure:
Who is a Good Candidate for the Procedure?
Any healthy individual who wants to get rid of bags or the signs of aging around
the eyes can benefit from eyelid surgery.
Who Should Avoid the Procedure?
Individuals who have dry eye or glaucoma should forego the procedure. In
addition, anyone who is suffering from cardiovascular disease or
circulatory-related illnesses, such as hypertension or diabetes, is not a good
surgery candidate.
Undergoing the Surgery: What it Basically Entails
If you are a viable candidate for surgery, the procedure basically involves four
steps. Initially, the patient is given a general anesthesia. A local anesthesia
is then administered to the surgery site.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty - Removal of Orbital Fat for
Modification of Eyelid
By BestlnPlastics
via Wikimedia Commons
Next, the surgeon will make an incision. If the incision is made in the lower
eyelid area, then the cut will be made just under the lower lash line.
Incisions Made During an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
By Paravis
via Wikimedia Commons
If an upper
eyelid surgery is performed, the initial incision is made in the crease of the
lid.
Fat Removed from a Transconjunctival Lower-Lid
Blepharoplasty
By Paravis
via Wikimedia Commons
A transconjunctival cut is a type of incision that is made to remove fat or
folds around the eye. Once the fat or excess skin is removed, the surgeon
tightens the surrounding muscles and sutures the remaining skin. The sutures may
be either absorbable meaning they are broken down by the body or may require
removal at a later date. If the stitches are the removable kind, they'll usually
be taken out after about five days.
 After the Procedure: Usual Side Effects
After the surgery, the eye area is usually somewhat swollen or bruised.
Swelling and bruising typically dissipates after about a week.
Postoperative Care After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Postoperative care generally requires that the patient place a cold compress
on his head. Plus, he'll need to keep his head elevated whenever he's relaxing
or lying down. A pain reliever is usually prescribed to reduce any pain. During
the recuperative process, the eyes may feel dry or scratchy as well. Eye drops
often relieve any discomfort associated with dryness or itchiness.
Possible Complications from the Surgery
While side effects are usually minimal (dryness and scratchiness of the eye
and some swelling and bruising), sometimes complications can result. In rare
instances, patients may develop disorders such as ptosis, where the upper
eyelids are incorrectly positioned. Or the lower lid may turn outward after the
surgery. Scarring, infection, and bleeding can sometimes occur as well. Blurred
vision, which is temporary, is additionally reported in some cases.
 Make Sure Your Expectations are Realistic
However, the adverse reactions listed above are not generally the norm.
Nevertheless, you have to be aware that side effects sometimes occur and it is
smart to understand what they are and how severe they can be. Therefore, it's
important that you fully check out the credentials and experience of the surgeon
that you choose to do the procedure. Once you make an appointment for a
consultation, you'll be asked why you want to undergo the procedure. Patients
with realistic expectations most often experience a positive outcome and are
well-pleased with the surgery results.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?
If you opt for the surgery, expect the results to last around ten years.
People continue to age and as the body changes the results of the surgery change
with the body. This is also true of facelifts The surgery results will, after
some time, lose their initial effect and most likely the patient will have to
undergo an additional procedure.
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What is Blepharoplasty?
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