Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is often the preferred treatment for removing bags under the eyes and for drooping eyelids. Often drooping eyelids can interfere with your vision which can add years to your appearance. At Exclusively Faces Dr. Karen performs eyelid surgery to correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. We understands how these features can make you look older and more tired than you actually feel, and often even interfere with your vision. Dr. Karen cautions that eyelid surgery won’t remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

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.

What is 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.

Procedure Description

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).

Risks

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.

Results

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.

Our practice serves consumers from the following areas of : Washington DC, and the cities of Virginia like Winchester, Frederick County, Clarke County including Berryville, Warren County including Front Royal, Shenandoah County including Strasburg and Woodstock and Northern Virginia including Landsdowne, Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, Manassas, Alexandria, Arlington, Manassas, Landsdowne, Leesburg ,Loudon, Purcellville, Reston, Stafford, Sterling, Fairfax, Vienna, and Woodbridge. This also includes cities in Maryland such as Chevy Chase, Bethesda , Silver Spring, MD and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia including Martinsburg and Charles Town.