What to Expect from a Blepharoplasty Procedure

Blepharoplasty also known as eyelid surgery or eye lift is a cosmetic procedure that aims at removing extra skin or fat from upper eyelids and bagginess from lower eyelids. Older people or people with saggy upper eyelids that obstruct vision can have the procedure. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bloch from Chicago can perform the cosmetic procedure. This cosmetic surgery is however not meant to remove facial wrinkles or dark circles that form under the eyes. The surgery can however be combined with other facial cosmetic procedures like forehead lifts, laser resurfacing or filler injections.

Preparing for eyelid surgery

In preparing for eyelid surgery, you may be asked to:

• • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Eyelid surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical facility, outpatient or licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Surgery procedure for upper and lower eyelids

Upper eyelids

In improving the upper eyelid, your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision on the natural crease of your eye. Through the incision, excess muscle, fat and skin are removed. Professional plastic surgeons like Dr. Bloch may prefer using lasers to eliminate unwanted tissue. The laser technology will help in reducing bruising or swelling.

Lower eyelids

If you are having lower blepharoplasty surgery, your Chicago plastic surgeon may use a variety of the following procedures:

Traditional blepharoplasty – this conventional method makes use of an incision just below your lower eyelash. This is then followed by excising excess fat or skin which may also be repositioned. Finally, lower eyelid muscle is tightened and closed up with stitches.

The “skin pinch” eyelift – as the name suggests, this blepharoplasty procedure will remove minimal skin. Your Chicago surgeon will only use the technique if your lower eyelid muscle is strong and if you only have little skin to be removed. Laser resurfacing may be used in the procedure to tighten skin.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty – the procedure can improve puffiness in lower eyelids caused by fat. Your surgeon will make an incision on the inner area of your eyelid through which extra fat is removed.

The lower eyelids look may also be improved with non-surgical means which include use of soft tissue fillers like hyaluronic acid (HA), Juvéderm and Restylane. Fillers are normally injected in the tear trough area. Results of this non-surgical procedure are almost immediate and last for approximately 8 months.

Limitations and risks

Fortunately, significant complications from eyelid surgery are infrequent. Every year, thousands of people undergo successful eyelid surgery and are pleased with the results. Blepharoplasty, which remains the gold standard for eyelid rejuvenation, is usually performed without any major problems. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia

• • Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
  • Infection and bleeding
  • Changes in sensation
  • Scarring
  • Allergic reactions
  • Damage to underlying structures
  • Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your board-certified plastic surgeon, both before and after your eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty results

Immediately after blepharoplasty results, you will have dressings on your eyes and you may experience some soreness or irritation. You will not be in a state to drive and some help will be essential. If you have stitches on your eyes, they will be removed within the first week. Your eyes will achieve good recovery after 2 weeks. Blepharoplasty results are affected by aging. Your eyebrow may therefore descend causing excess or saggy skin to reappear on upper eyelids. This will not however be improved by a repeat blepharoplasty but a brow lift or facelift may improve your look. Good eyelift surgery can last up to 7 years. Lower eyelid surgery is also rarely repeated. Though aging will eventually crop up, exercise, healthy eating and drinking plenty of water to hydrate your skin may prolong blepharoplasty results. Prescribed follow-up visits to your surgeon are also