What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid surgery. It is performed to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids and to reduce bagginess from the lower eyelids. It is also known as an eye lift.
Why Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
This surgery is typically performed for cosmetic reasons. It’s also an effective way to improve vision in older people who have sagging upper eyelids that obstruct their vision.
Dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet, and other facial wrinkles cannot be removed with an eye lift. It is frequently performed in conjunction with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, filler injections, or forehead lifts.
The ageing of the eyelids
Skin gradually loses elasticity as it ages. Excess skin collects on the upper and lower eyelids due to a lack of elasticity and the constant pull of gravity.
Wrinkles and bulges are caused by excess skin on the lower eyelid. An extra fold of skin on the upper eyelids can obstruct vision by hanging over the eyelashes.
Bulges in the upper and lower eyelids can be caused by the fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull. With age, the thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens, allowing the fat to protrude into the lids like a hernia.
Who Is a Good Blepharoplasty Candidate?
People who are in good health and have a clear vision of what they want are the best candidates for an eye lift. Most people are 35 or older, but if you have a family history of baggy or droopy eyelids, you may want to have the surgery done sooner.
Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence. However, it may not give you your desired appearance or alter your facial structure. Consider your goals and discuss them with your surgeon before deciding to have surgery.
Preparation for Blepharoplasty
You must arrange for someone else to drive you home after your surgery. You should also arrange for someone to accompany you on the night of the procedure.
Expect to miss work and limit your activities for several days after surgery as your eyelids heal. Some people experience dry eyes after surgery, but this usually lasts no more than two weeks. Contact your doctor if you have dry eyes for more than two weeks
You should have the following items on hand at home:
Cubes of ice
Pack of ice (or you can use freezer bags filled with ice, frozen corn, or peas)
Pads of gauze
Artificial tears or eye drops (ask your doctor to recommend the proper type to meet your particular needs)
Towels and washcloths that are clean
Pain relievers sold over-the-counter (which your doctor can recommend)
Because of the increased risk of bleeding, Advil, Motrin, Naproxen, Aleve, and aspirin should not be used.
Blepharoplasty Surgery
When both the upper and lower eyelids are lifted at the same time, the procedure usually takes about 2 hours. Your doctor will almost certainly use local anaesthesia (a pain reliever injected around the eye) in conjunction with oral sedation.
If you have the procedure done in a hospital or surgical centre, you will almost certainly be given IV sedation.
If you have all four eyelids done, the surgeon will most likely start with the upper lids. Typically, the surgeon will cut along the natural lines of your eyelids. Your surgeon will use these cuts to separate the skin from the underlying tissue and remove excess fat and skin (and muscle if indicated). The surgeon will then use very small stitches to close the cuts. The upper lid stitches will be removed after 3-6 days. Depending on the technique used, the lower lids may or may not require stitches.
Lower eyelid surgery can be performed using one of several techniques. To remove fat, your surgeon may make a cut inside your lower eyelid. That cut will be hidden. Your surgeon can then use a C02 or erbium laser to soften fine lines in the skin.
Another method is to make a cut along the lash line. Your surgeon can remove excess skin, loose muscle, and fat through that incision. After a short while, the cut line fades.
Following either of these procedures, your surgeon may suggest laser resurfacing.
Following the surgery
While you’re in the recovery room, your doctor will most likely apply ointment to your eyes to keep them moist and cover them with cold compresses. You may experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light immediately following surgery due to the ointment. Your eyes may feel dry or watery.
The first night after surgery, apply ice packs to your eyes and sleep with your head elevated. Your doctor will give you specific instructions for self-care.
The Outcomes of Blepharoplasty
Upper eyelid surgery lasts at least 5-7 years. Lower eyelid surgery is rarely necessary again. Naturally, your eyes will continue to age after the procedure.
If your eyelids sag again, a forehead lift may be preferable to another eye lift.
Recovering from Blepharoplasty
After eyelid surgery, you will have stitches in both lids that will last up to a week. Although swelling and bruising are common, your eyelids should look normal within a week or two.
Complications of Blepharoplasty
Complications and unfavourable outcomes from an eye lift are uncommon, but they do occur. They may include the following:
Bleeding\Infection
Eyes that are dry
Eyelids with abnormal colouring
Skin on the eyelids that folds in or out abnormally
being unable to completely close your eyes
A lower lash line that is pulled down
Vision loss is a possibility.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these complications.
Dr. Kamdar Eye Hospital’s doctors are LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina, and glaucoma specialists.
The hospital is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and the most experienced ophthalmologists. Our goal is to help you realise your best vision.
Please call or visit Dr. Kamdar Eye Hospital for more information or to schedule an appointment with a consultant.