The
age range for eyelid surgery is wide because of the various
conditions that predispose to the condition. Most patients are in
their forties, although many patients in their twenties or their
seventies many undergo the operations.
Younger patients who have
surgery usually have it because of an inherited condition in
which the fat deposits push against the muscle wall
resulting in early bulging. Older patients generally
seek surgery because of sagging on the eyelid skin as well
as because of bulging fat.
This sagging may even
interfere with the ability to see well. Often these
patients choose to have eyelid surgery when they elect to
have a face-lift.
Removal of herniated fat and excess skin often rejuvenates and
refreshes the eye region, leading to a more wakeful look.
Although more women elect to have eyelid surgery, the operation
is equally suitable for both sexes.
Dr. Karen can help you decide if eyelid surgery is best for you.
Dr. Karen and
his expert staff will advise you on what
procedures will help you accomplish your facial enhancement
options. Perhaps, a combination of a
facelift and eyelid
procedure will bring you the best results for a longer lasting
and more youthful look.
Consult the cosmetic specialists at Exclusively Faces to learn
more about Eyelid surgery.
Eyelid
surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is an operation that corrects
drooping eyelids, bags and bulges about the eyes. These
conditions develop as a result of laxity of the eyelid skin
and protrusion of fat through the weakened membranes around
the eyes. It is not limited to older patients, as many
people inherit a predisposition toward development of fat
protrusion at an early age.
Surgical correction is appropriate for all age groups. In
some cases, this condition might be caused by other medical
problems such as allergies or thyroid disorders. In these
patients, the proper treatment is medical rather than
surgical.
Hidden
incisions are made in the upper and lower eyelids to begin the
operation. This is usually carried out in
our office operating
room. Through these incisions excess skin , fat and muscle are
removed depending on the individual problem. The location of the
incisions coupled with the excellent healing ability of the
eyelid skin almost always results in scars that are difficult,
if not impossible to see with the passage of time.
In addition
to external skin incisions, incisions on the inside are
difficult, if not impossible to see with the passage of time. In
addition to external skin incision, incisions on the inside
membranes of the eye can also be made in order to rejuvenate the
lower eyelid (Transconjuntival incisions). If excess skin is
present, pinching and cutting away the small amount of skin is
carried out without violating the underlying soft tissues. This
technique prevents the downward and outward pull of the eyelid
away form the eye (Ectropion).
Complications can
occur with any operation and Blepharoplasty is no exception.
Serious complications are most unusual, and those that occur can
usually be corrected. One of the major risks, ectropion, has
already be mentioned. Additional risks include bleeding,
postoperative dryness of the eye, visible scarring and in very
rare cases visual loss.
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Most patients can
anticipate a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes.
The eyes have a fresher, more wide open appearance. This is
often coupled by a similar feeling of lightness in the eyelids.
Bags and pouches are significantly reduced, if not completely
eliminated.
Lines and crow's
feet about the eyes are diminished but not eliminated by the
operation. For those patients desiring correction of these
lines, chemical peel
and/or Botox can be utilized as an adjunct
several weeks following the operation.
Eyelid surgery can
also be performed on the upper eyelids when the excess skin
interferes with peripheral vision. After a visual field
analysis, performed by an eye doctor, indicates deficiencies,
upper blepharoplasty can be performed to improve vision. This
indication for surgery should be covered by insurance.
Since there is
variation in the scar healing following this operation, wise and
conscientious surgeons are always careful to leave a little
extra skin in the eyelids. This minimizes the risk of the
complication called ectropion. As mentioned earlier, by
performing transconjuntival incisions, this risk is almost
eliminated.
| POST TREATMENT
INSTRUCTIONS |
Suture removal is performed on post operative day 4-5. Head
elevation and ice to the eyes is a must for 36 hours in order to
decrease swelling and bruising. There is one suture per each
upper lid that is easily removed. Patients who use make-up may
do so 5-7 days after surgery. Most patients can return to near
normal activity within a very few days of their surgery. Faint
bruising often persists for several days beyond that time but is
easily camouflaged by make-up or sunglasses. After two weeks
time patients generally resume a normal daily lifestyle.
Discomfort is relatively minimal after blepharoplasty. Most
patients require little or no pain medication. Some minor
irritation of the eyes is common and may occur for several days
after the operation. Close adherence to your post operative
instructions will greatly diminish the discomfort, swelling and
bruising that you may have after your surgery. Heavy lifting and
increased activity should be avoided for up to two weeks.
Antibiotic and pain prescriptions will be provided.
Visit our
facial plastic /
cosmetic surgery
office
in
Winchester, Virginia (VA),
located in
Frederick County, Virginia
(VA) and accessible to residents of
Maryland
and
West Virginia.
CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY TO SCHEDULE A
PRIVATE CONSULTATION
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