Blepharoplasty is the name of the surgery to improve the appearance and/or function of the eyelids.
Why Eyelid drooping
The aesthetic appearance of the eyes and the vision can be affected in time by aging, environmental (sun, pollution) and genetic factors. Laxity of eyelid skin, muscles and excess fat tissue around the eyes lead to the settlement of wrinkles and eye bags on the eyelids, giving a tired look for the patient.
What is the difference between eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery is a procedure to remove excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can lift drooping upper lids and reduce the puffy eye bags that form below your eyes. Consequently, eyelid surgery dramatically improves the appearance of tired, droopy eyes and gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes.
This procedure can be done alone or in conjunction with other plastic facial surgery procedures such as a brow lift, and/or a facelift.
What a Blepharoplasty operation involves
It is a relatively simple operation for the surgeon and for the patient as well. Blepharoplasty procedures may be completed under local anesthesia, with or without mild sedation, or under general anesthesia. The procedure may be performed in an out-patient facility, in the office, or hospital. Although the procedure is typically painless, you may have occasional mild discomfort during the procedure. If your surgeon elects for you to have general anesthesia, you will sleep through the procedure. The entire procedure may take from one to three hours, depending largely on whether all four lids are being operated on, or just the upper or lower ones.
Most commonly, the surgeon will make incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, and just below the eyelashes for the lower eyelids. These incisions may be made with a traditional scalpel or a laser. The upper eyelid incisions extend from the upper inner corners of the eyelids to the “crow’s feet” region. The surgeon will remove excess skin, muscle, and fat as necessary to produce the desired result. The incisions are then closed with tiny sutures, which are often absorbed or removed in about a week, and stitches.
If the lower eyelids are being operated on, some surgeons elect to proceed with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty when excess skin does not need to be removed. This procedure entails a small incision only on the inside of the lower eyelid. This allows the removal of a fat pocket in the lower eyelid and prevents any visible scar, while still producing the desired result.
Blepharoplasty – Postop instructions
A hospital stay may or may not be needed following eyelid surgery. The best environment for recovery will be determined by the preferences of both the patient and his doctor. Recovery varies from patient to patient and it is advisable to take it easy for the first week after surgery.
Initially after the procedure, patients can expect redness and swelling around the incision areas. The redness and swelling fade with time and usually subside after the first 10 days. For the first day following the surgery, cold compresses can be placed on the eyes to reduce swelling. As well, swelling and bruising can be minimized by keeping the head elevated.
After blepharoplasty surgery, the surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and may apply stitches. During the first few days of recovery, the incisions should be treated with ointment to keep them lubricated and eye drops are applied to help keep the eyes from drying out. Sutures are usually removed after 2-7 days.
Activities that may dry up the eyes, such as reading, using a computer or watching TV should be avoided in the first week after the procedure. Patients generally feel well enough to resume normal activities around the tenth day of recovery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about three weeks.
The information on this website is for general educational purpose only. Readers should consult their physician before considering treatment, and should not interpret their condition solely based on the information above. 以上資訊僅提供教育用途。你應該諮詢醫生有關的治療方法,而不應完全依賴網站上的資訊。