Cosmetic eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is a procedure to improve the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. Its aim is to correct heavy, wrinkled or sagging eyelids for a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift, browlift or laser resurfacing. Eyelid surgery is performed on adults of all ages. Some people have eyelid surgery to correct problems that result from aging, while others have inherited traits that cause them to seek treatment as early as their 20s or 30s.
How should I prepare for surgery?
You will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Shenker to determine your goals for your blepharoplasty. Dr. Shenker’s Patient Coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.
You should not wear eye makeup on the day of your surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.
You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the twelve hours immediately before your surgery.
How is eyelid surgery performed?
Dr. Shenker will select among the best surgical techniques to obtain the best outcome for you.
Upper Eyelids: For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when healed.
Lower Eyelids: For lower eyelid surgery, often an incision is hidden just below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed, or fat may be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. Other adjustments to correct special problems such as muscle laxity may be performed. As in upper eyelid surgery, the incision is well camouflaged by natural creases.
What will the day of surgery be like?
You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.
Our surgical staff will ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The procedure may be done under a general or local anesthetic. Our anesthesiologist will talk to you before you go to sleep for your surgery. Typically, an upper blepharoplasty requires approximately an hour to complete, while a lower blepharoplasty takes slightly longer.
Following your surgery, you will be taken into our recovery area where you will be closely monitored. Your vision will be blurry as a result of ointment used to soothe and protect the eye during surgery. Patients are often surprised at how little discomfort they experience after surgery. You will be in the comfort of your own home approximately two to three hours after surgery.
How will I look and feel initially?
There is usually little pain associated with eyelid surgery.
The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with your head elevated. Dr. Shenker may instruct you to apply cold compresses to your eyelids to increase comfort and reduce the tendency to swelling and bruising. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications.
Initially, you may feel a “tight” sensation around the eyes and some mild discomfort that can be controlled with oral medication prescribed by Dr. Shenker. During the first 48 hours following surgery, patients experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising. Some patients find that mild swelling persists for several weeks, while others may see swelling resolve in as little as one week. Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually removed within a week of surgery.
There will usually be less bruising and swelling if you avoid strenuous physical activity, bending your head down, stressful situations and the consumption of alcohol.
Your eyes may be temporarily sensitive to light, and you may experience excess tearing or dryness. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun irritation.
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
When can I resume my normal activities?
Overall, normal activities can usually be resumed within two or three weeks after the procedure.
You should normally wait about ten days before wearing contact lenses, and usually you can apply make up as soon as the incisions are completely healed.
Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period. In many instances, you will be able to resume most of your normal activities within ten days or less.
Results of your eyelid surgery
Blepharoplasty has the effect of making you look more rested, refreshed and alert. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait several weeks to get an accurate picture of the overall results. Incisions will fade over a number of months until they become barely visible.
How long will the results last?
The results of eyelid surgery are long lasting, but they may be affected by your heredity and lifestyle factors.
Removal of fat from your eyelids, which is usually the cause of puffiness and bags, is permanent and these conditions generally will not recur. The skin continues to age, however, and skin laxity along the fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may, at some point, return. Sometimes a loss of tone in the forehead causes additional sagging of the eyebrows, which mimics a recurrence of drooping upper eyelids. If this happens, a forehead lift or a secondary eyelid procedure may be appropriate.
What if I have more questions?
You may contact The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic at any time if you have questions or concerns: 519.746.1132 |
