Associates in Plastic Surgery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 














Associates in Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, the medical term for an eyelid lift, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence by eliminating wrinkled, sagging eyelids and bulging bags.

Attractive eyes are essential to a youthful, alert appearance. Eyes, and the areas around them, express one’s personality and unique inner beauty. One’s eyes and complexion are most commonly the focus of attention when recognizing the attractiveness of an individual. They can make someone look alert and approachable or look tired and uninterested. Unfortunately the eye region is also one of the first parts face to show aging.

Dr. Weeter finds that as a first procedure in facial rejuvenation that blepharoplasty is the easiest for the patient in terms of undergoing the procedure, recovery, return to the usual activities of daily living, affordability, and value. For patients who are only ready for one procedure, blepharoplasty is the one most commonly chosen.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE

Excessive, sagging or wrinkled upper and/or lower eyelid skin.
Excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with vision.
Loss of the natural upper eyelid crease.
Puffy pouches of fat in the upper or lower lids that create a tired or aged appearance.
Excessive upper lid skin that has partially blocked vision.

INTENDED RESULT
Before and After
Blepharoplasty


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photo to enlarge)
A more youthful and rested appearance of the eyes.
Removing sagging skin and muscle from the eyelids.
Removing "bags" by trimming away excess fat bulges.
Before and After
Blepharoplasty


(click on any
photo to enlarge)

THE PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty is done in the safety of an accredited, surgical facility on an outpatient. Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and sedation. If the procedure is combined with another facial procedure, general anesthesia may be required.
Blepharoplasty can be done as an isolated procedure for some patients or along with a forehead/eyebrow lift and/or a facelift (rhytidectomy).
In an upper eyelid surgery, the incision is placed in the lid crease. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision lies just below the eyelashes and parallel to the edge of the eyelid. Both incisions may extend for a short distance beyond the eyelids into the “crow’s feet” area. The eyelid skin has an excellent characteristic of healing, with time, the wounds usually become not noticeable.
One variation for the lower eyelid region is to make the incision hidden on the inside of the eyelid to provide access for bulging fat removal and use of laser resurfacing to tighten and eliminate wrinkles.

RECOVERY

Before and After
Blepharoplasty


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photo to enlarge)
Sutures are removed in about 5 to 7 days.
Preliminary mild discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication and cool saline soaks.
Makeup on or around the eye can be used 1 week post-op.
Contact lenses can be worn usually within 7 to 10 days, but can be earlier if the patient is comfortable.
Swelling and bruising can be expected and is different in each patient. Swelling usually begins to fade away with in 48 hours after the surgery.
Light to normal activity or work can be resumed 3 to 4 days after surgery; the patient can use dark glasses to camouflage the swelling and discoloration.
The patient will usually feel comfortable without dark glasses in about 10 days. A small amount of residual swelling may continue for many weeks, but little by little disappears.

OTHER OPTIONS

Additional procedures that can be performed along with a blepharoplasty and would provide the patient with greater results are: Forehead Lift, Face Lift and/or Laser Skin Resurfacing.

INSURANCE

Insurance polices may cover patients who have functional or visual problems caused by excessive upper eyelid skin. Most insurance companies will require documentation from the patient’s eyecare physician regarding the necessity of the procedure. Most insurance companies will classify these types of surgeries as cosmetic.

NOTE: The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you may be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk.
 


 

Associates in Plastic Surgery, PLLC \ 4001 Kresge Way, Suite 220 \ Louisville, KY 40207-4680
(502) 895-5466 \ Fax: (502) 896-2137