Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure performed in improving appearance and functionality in an individual’s eyelid. Cosmetic or for the purpose of revealing an improvement in the visibility as a result of droopy eyelids, anyone going through this procedure must be informed through in-depth understanding of what the whole process is all about. The subsequent is an extensive guide to eyelid surgery intending patients before, within, and after the procedure.
Blepharoplasty generally refers to the removal or repositioning of extra skin, muscle, and fat from the upper or lower eyelid. It is generally a surgical procedure that is supposed to rejuvenate the area around the eyes to make one look brighter and fresher. There are, basically, different types of eyelid surgery. The upper eyelid can be operated on for an apparently drooping upper lid that interferes with the vision of an individual or makes him/her appear tired. Lower eyelid surgery is indicated by under-eye bags, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Double eyelid surgery, as it is more commonly done in East Asia, creates an artificial fold in the upper eyelid to provide the appearance of a double lid. Functional Eyelid Surgery Functional eyelid surgery is performed to improve the vision interfered with by drooping eyelids.
This is always composed of a consultative session between the patient and either a board-certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon will take you through your past medical history for general health and past complications at the time of the visit, including thyroid disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Sometimes, a complete ophthalmologic examination can be done, which includes testing of vision and the ability of the eye to form tears. This time is also used to address one’s particular aesthetic concern and what one expects to obtain with the surgery so that both patient and surgeon are on the same page. Preoperative photographs are often taken prior to any intervention and can serve for documentation and surgical planning. The preoperative assessment is required so that the surgery can be rendered safe and the outcome optimal. Physical examination is done to bring forth certain medical conditions which might influence the surgery, and blood tests confirm one’s fitness to undergo anesthesia and surgery. Also, allergy testing is done in cases where allergic reactions might occur.
This includes medications, supplements, and herbs that need to be stopped or adjusted. It is best to quit smoking at least two weeks in advance of the surgical operation and also address changes in lifestyle that might be involved. This is because smoking prohibits the process of healing from taking place as it should. Where possible, also avoid taking medications that thin out the blood, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, unless instructed to do so. You can’t drive your car home on the day of surgery, so you will need to make transportation arrangements. Having a stock of supplies in your home, such as ice packs, gauze pads and filled prescriptions will ease recovery. Day of Surgery Anesthesia options include the following: Local anesthesia with sedation-they numb the area of surgery while you are relaxed yet still awake or general anesthesia-you are completely unconscious. This depends on the extent of the surgery, but it is also up to your surgeon.
Generally speaking, the course which the upper eyelid procedure follows involves making an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid so that the scar may be camouflaged. More correctly, it involves removing and repositioning the skin, excess, and sometimes fat and muscle tissue. Finally, at the end of the whole procedure, a suture-usually fine tunes and closes the incisions to minimalize scar visibility. The two forms that the surgery of the lower eyelids may take are the transconjunctival position or an incision just below the lash line. Extra fat is removed or redistributed so that it doesn’t stay there creating puffiness; extra skin is removed or tightened. Time taken generally is anywhere between one and three hours depending on how many eyelids are being operated – both the upper and the lower eyelids – and on the complexity of the case.
You will then be taken to the recovery room where a medical professional will look after you for a number of hours. Most patients can actually go home on the same day. Small gauze pads may be set and often lubricating ointment and cold compresses are recommended frequently to reduce swelling and discomfort. The first few post-operative days are usually associated with some degree of swelling and ecchymosis, which peak about the second or third day. Mild pain is generally easily controlled with analgesics. Blurred vision due to ointments or swelling is the rule; rest is to be in an elevated head position and avoid heavy lifting.
If nonabsorbable sutures are used, they are usually removed in five to seven days or by the end of first week. You may resume light activities, but must still avoid bending or heavy lifting. Some swelling and bruising can be expected to continue, but decrease significantly over the next couple of weeks. Several weeks following surgery, many patients are comfortable returning to work. You may now normally resume the use of eye makeup, but check with your surgeon about this first. Longer term, it takes several months for the full effects of recovery to become visible. The incision lines will, with time, fade away, but the eyelids need protection from the sun by means of wearing dark glasses and application of sunscreen. This procedure is generally safe, but the possible risks from eyelid surgery include infection and bleeding – both of which are rare; most are minimized if postoperative instructions in care are well followed. Temporary dry eye or irritation can result; scarring is usually minimal but varies by individual. Rarely, an outward turning of the lower eyelid may result; this may sometimes need additional surgery. Less frequently, blurred or double vision may be complained of; this too, in most cases, is temporary.
Other potential complications might include severe pain that is not improved with medication; signs and symptoms of infection, including increased redness, swelling, or discharge; sudden loss of vision; or persistent fever-all complications that might require immediate intervention.
Blepharoplasty carries many aesthetic and functional advantages, namely the significant improvement in appearance and often in the vision of patients. The most optimal outcomes for eyelid surgery can be realized through good preparation, by choosing a qualified surgeon, and through closely following post-operation advice. Researching and consulting involve ways of understanding the procedure and assist in setting realistic expectations. A professional surgeon needs to be selected who is board-certified and has had experience in eyelid surgery. Pre and post-operative sets of guidelines set forth minimize risks to allow smooth recovery. Complete recovery and actual final results do take time, so patience is therefore important. Being informed and even proactive that can provide a lot of confidence to undergo the whole process to achieve the results intended from eyelid surgery. Restorative surgery on the eyes refines the outlook of one’s facial expression in general and boosts self-confidence to live a more fulfilling life.
