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The Effects of Heredity and Time
Your eyes are usually the first thing that people notice about your
appearance. They are probably the most important aspect of facial
attractiveness. Even with a good night's sleep, loose skin over
your eyes or fat bags under your eyes make you look tired or sad
or older than you really are. As we go through life, even if we
have taken care of ourselves, the skin around our eyes stretches
and wrinkles. Fatty deposits cause the upper lids to sag while under
the eye the tissue can bulge forward and become discolored. In severe
cases, vision can become partially blocked.
 Typically,
these unwanted characteristics come with age, beginning in the late
thirties and early forties, but hereditary factors can cause a much
younger person to appear prematurely aged. Exposure to the sun,
use of alcohol, smoking and less than optimal nutrition all accelerate
the signs of aging.
Fortunately, through modern techniques and advances in an eyelid
rejuvenation procedure called blepharoplasty, your doctor can help
restore a more youthful, alert and healthy look to your eyes. Sometimes
referred to as a "mini-facelift", blepharoplasty has become
one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for both men and women
because of its high level of patient satisfaction. Blepharoplasty
can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids.
Before Blepharoplasty
As a general rule, insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery.
However, if your eyelids are encroaching upon your field of vision,
the procedure may be covered as "medically necessary"
surgery.
Before surgery, your doctor will evaluate the condition and health
of your eyes. Specifics regarding your vision, tear production,
use of contact lenses, use of medications, and personal expectations
will be discussed. Together, a plan will be discussed regarding
the surgical technique, amount of surgery, and type of anesthesia
to be used.
Complications can occur with any surgery, however with blepharoplasty,
serious complications are rare and most that do occur can usually
be corrected. Be sure to ask you doctor any questions you may have
regarding risks and complications before giving your consent for
blepharoplasty.
During Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is generally done using local anesthetic. You
may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. Depending on the
amount of tissue to be removed, you could be in the operating suite
for several hours.
When performed on the upper eyelids, your doctor will remove the
excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate in
the lid. The incisions are
made along the natural folds in the skin so that they heal, and
become difficult, if not impossible to see with the passage of time.
When performed on the lower eyelids, providing there is not too
much excess skin, your doctor will make the incision inside or behind
the eyelid. This technique is called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty,
which allows the removal of fatty deposits while avoiding the need
for an external incision. If there is excessive skin or muscle folds
below the eye, an incision may also be made just below the base
of the eyelashes. As this incision heals, the fine scar should also
become barely visible.
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After Blepharoplasty
After the procedure you will need to have someone drive you
home. Bruising and swelling is common after the surgery and is usually
noticeable for a week to a month after the surgery, but longer in
some cases. Cold compresses as well as head elevation will help
reduce swelling and bruising and minimize discomfort. Eye ointments
and/or eye drops maybe given to keep the eye moist and clean. Postoperative
discomfort is usually relatively mild although this will vary from
patient to patient. Most patients require little, if any pain medication.
Your eyes may feel sticky, dry and itchy for a week or so
after the procedure. You will need to take special care in
cleaning around the eyes for the first week or two. Stitches
are usually removed within five to ten days after surgery.
Self absorbing stitching will dissolve on their own. Make-up
can usually be applied to camouflage bruising after the stitches
are removed and a good pair of sunglasses may help you feel
better when in public for a while.
It is important to follow all of your postoperative instructions to speed healing
and reduce the risks of incurring complications. |
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Results of Blepharoplasty
Most
patients experience a marked improvement in the appearance of their
eyes after blepharoplasty. In addition to improving some patients'
vision, most patients report feeling more alert and energetic.
Although the positive effects of having blepharoplasty on your
appearance will be immediate, your results will not be considered
final for up to a year as the healing process continues.
If you want to look as good as you feel, ask your doctor if you
are a candidate for blepharoplasty.
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