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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 eyes
or fat bags under your eyes can 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 factor 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 (eyelid surgery), your doctor can help
restore a more youthful, alert and healthy look to your eyes. Sometimes
referred to as a "mini-face lift", blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) has become one
of the most popular comestic procedures for both men and women
because of its high level of patient satisfaction. Blepharoplasy (eyelid surgery) can
be performed on both upper and lower eyelids.
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. This information, along with other factors such as age,
skin type and ethnic background, will allow both you and your surgeon
to come to a mutual decision. 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 (eyelid surgery),
serious complications are rare and most that do occur can usually be
corrected. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding
risks and complications before giving your consent for blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) 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 perfomed on the upper eyelids, your doctor will remove the excess skin,
muscle and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate in the inside corner of
the eye, next to the nose. The incisions are made along the natural folds
in the skin so that as they heal, they 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
transcojunctival 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.
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 may be 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. Your surgeon will give you a list of
activities and environments to avoid during that time. Stitches are
usually removed within five to ten days after surgery. Self-absorbing
stitches will dissolve on their own. Make-up can usually 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.
Most patients experience a marked improvement in the appearance of
their eyes after blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). In addition to improving some patients'
vision, most patients report feeling more alert and energetic. Although
the positive effects of having blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) 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.
Dr. Smith performs Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at state of
the art out-patient surgery centers. For your convenience, you can choose
between our Fort Myers and Naples surgery centers.
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