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
(click on any
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
(click on any
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
