eyes - blepharoplasty
Introduction
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure on the upper and/or lower eyelids designed to remove excess skin folds and bulging fat bags. Blepharoplasty will improve the bags and wrinkles around the eyes but will not improve wrinkles of the cheeks, temples or forehead. It also does not correct problems caused by drooping eyebrows.
Patients requesting blepharoplasty generally complain of a ‘tired” or ‘baggy’ appearance to their eyes. As the eyes are such a central part of the face, a minor improvement in this area can give you a more youthful and rested appearance.
The surgery
Blepharoplasty may be performed as a Day Case or alternatively with a short hospital stay. The procedure may be performed under local anaesthesia (with or without sedation ) or under general anaesthesia.
The procedure will vary depending on your physical features, the position of your eyebrow and the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Usually, upper and lower eyelid incisions are marked along natural lines, and extend into the "crow's feet", or smile lines, at the outer edge of the eye. Following removal of excess skin and fat, the incisions are carefully closed.
Scars are the inevitable result of any surgery, although the scars from Blepharoplasty are along natural skin lines and creases and will usually fade with time and become barely noticeable.
Complications whilst uncommon can occur. The complications of Blepharoplasty include: bruising and swelling around your eyes, temporary blurred vision and excessive tear production. Other possible effects are ectropion (pulling down of the lower lid), scar or wound problems. Blindness has been reported in the medical literature after blepharoplasty, but is extremely rare.
After your Surgery
In most situations you will able to go home on the day of your surgery or the following day, however the length of your hospital stay will depend on your general health, the extent of the procedure, and your surgeon's advice.
At the time of discharge you will have some tape over the incisions and some swelling and bruising around your eyes. Cosmetics and sunglasses can be used to camouflage the early post surgical appearance.
Returning to normal activities is an individual matter, but most people return to work within two to four weeks and to more vigorous exercise after six weeks.
To be able to drive a vehicle you must be comfortable, off all strong pain killers and moving freely, this can vary from one to four weeks after the operation.