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Droopy eyelids, puffiness and bags under the eyes make our upper faces look old and tired. Some people choose blepharoplasty or eyelift surgery to correct these problems that are a result of aging, while others have inherited traits such as bags under the eyes that cause them to seek treatment in their 20s or 30s. Eyelift does not correct dark circles under the eyes, fine wrinkles or saggy eyebrows.
If the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be recommended. Smoothing of crow's feet may require Botox® injections or laser resurfacing procedures. Circles beneath the eyes caused by dark pigmentation may be treated with a bleaching solution or laser resurfacing. Alternately, sinking around the bony orbit below the eye can be addressed with fat grafting.
High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are some of the conditions that can increase the risks of eyelid surgery. Dr. Gantous will ask if you have allergies and if so, how they affect your eyes. We will also need to know if you have been told that you have "dry eye" or any other eye problems. You may be asked to have an eye evaluation by an eye specialist prior to surgery.
How is blepharoplasty performed?
An incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid for upper eyelid surgery and it is through this incision that excess skin and fat are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when it is healed.
Dr. Gantous will discuss two different approaches to lower lid surgery: One uses an external incision and the other is performed from inside the lower lid. Your age and the extent of the fatty deposits you have will determine which approach is used.
For lower lid surgery the incision is usually hidden below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Fat may also be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. Other adjustments such as canthopexy may be made to correct special problems such as muscle laxity.
You and Dr. Gantous may decide that the best approach for removing excess fat is a technique that needs no external incision. This procedure is called transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. While it is a good approach for younger patients, it cannot be used to remove excess skin so a laser may be used in conjunction with this method to tighten the skin under the eyes.
What to expect after surgery?
After your surgery, you may have a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye. This may require treatment with special drops and ointments. There is also a chance of a temporary reduction in eyelid sensation or impaired eyelid function.
Mild swelling persists for several weeks in some cases while others see swelling resolve in just seven days. Bruising normally disappears in seven to ten days and you may use makeup within the first week to hide discoloration.
You may find your eyes are temporarily sensitive to light. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.
Cold compresses and head elevation will help with the healing process.
The incision lines will fade over several months until they become barely visible.
For more information on blepharoplasty (eyelift surgery), click here. |
