Eyelift surgery (Blepharoplasty) “Beautify your eyes”
What is blepharoplasty?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, rejuvenates puffy, drooping, sagging or tired-looking eyes. This can have a dramatic impact on making your whole face look younger and more rested. Blepharoplasty can be done alone or in combination with other facial procedures.
When is it used?
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are healthy, and most are over 35 years old. Occasionally, patients who are younger request this type of surgery. These particular patients usually have a strong family history of “baggy eyelids”.
A blepharoplasty will not remove “crow’s feet” or other wrinkles from the eyelids. Similarly, it will not remove dark circles from under the eyes – there is no surgical procedure that can do that.
What happens during the procedure?
Depending on your preference, this surgery can be done under local anesthesia, twilight anesthesia or general anesthesia. In the upper eyelid, an incision is made in the natural eyelid fold. In the lower eyelid the incision is made either just below the eyelashes, or hidden inside the lower eyelid. Depending on what is required, the excess skin, fat and muscle are then either trimmed or repositioned. Fine stitches are used to close the incisions.
What are the risks and potential complications?
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. However, having a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. de Kleer perform the procedure ensures that complications are rare. Irritation of the eye may occur, as well as thick scars. These are rare and treatable.
What do I expect after the treatment?
After surgery ice packs will be applied on and off for several hours. When you arrive home, you should keep you head elevated for several days, in order to decrease your swelling. You should apply ice packs, 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, for the remainder of the day and the following day.
During the first week, swelling and bruising are quite variable from person to person.
The swelling will be at a maximum after 2-3 days. Then it will settle progressively each day. Similarly, the bruising will be much more noticeable on the day after surgery than initially. It should disappear by about 12 days after surgery. You may find that your eyes tend to tear more frequently during the 1st week after surgery. This will settle as your swelling settles.
You will likely be able to read and watch television within 2-3 days of your operation. Your sutures will be removed from your eyelids 6 days after your surgery. Your eyelids will then feel much more natural. If you wear contact lenses, then you won’t be able to use them for about 10 days. You will need to take life very easy for about 2 weeks after surgery. You can usually return to work in 12-14 days. You can do easy walking after a few days, but you will need to wait at least 3 weeks before running or doing any other strenuous exercises.
Your incision lines may remain pink for several months. Ultimately, though, they will fade nicely. On the other hand, the positive side of your surgery – your more alert and youthful look – will last many years. For some people, the results are permanent.
