Eyelid Surgery
Surgical/Procedure name:Blepharoplasty
Common name:
Eye Lift, Eyelid Surgery
Introduction
As we age, the skin around our eyes gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity, combined with the constant pull from gravity causes excessive skin to collect in the upper and lower eyelids. Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges and on the upper eyelids an extra fold of skin forms which can hang over the eyelashes and obstruct vision.
Also known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. It gives a rejuvenated appearance to the surrounding area of your eyes, making you look more rested and alert.
The procedure involves the removal of excess skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue. While it is primarily a cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty is also an effective method for improving sight in older patients whose sagging upper eyelids obstruct their vision. Blepharoplasty will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, remove crow's feet or other facial wrinkles. It is often performed in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as laser resurfacing or forehead lifts.
Is it right for me?
A blepharoplasty procedure is usually performed on adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and have realistic goals for improvement of the upper and/or lower eyelids and surrounding area. The best candidates for blepharoplasty are individuals with good physical and mental health who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids are hereditary, you may decide to have the surgery at a younger age.
Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or cause people to treat you any differently. Blepharoplasty will not alter your facial structure. It is important to know your face well before you decide to have surgery. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Are the Changes Made by Eyelid Surgery Permanent?
Blepharoplasty will not stop your eyes from aging. However, the procedure is usually very long lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last anywhere from five to seven years to an entire lifetime, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be done more than once.
If your lids are once again sagging, the proper procedure is oftentimes a forehead lift, not another blepharoplasty.
You must tell your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions:
Post Operative Care
Dressing: A compressive adhesive tape over the lower eyelid will usually be applied for 3 days. Clean the sutured area twice daily with non irritating substance like saline solution or the medication provided by your surgeon.
Medication: You will be provided with oral antibiotics, anti-swelling and pain reliever tablets. Take the medications as directed by your surgeon. Note that it is important to complete the full course of antibiotic therapy.
Cold compression: Can be applied for the first 3 days to prevent further bleeding from the wound and to minimize swelling.
Warm compression: Can be applied after 3 days to assist healing. Warm compression should not be used for the first 3 days unless instructed by your surgeon.
Suture Removal: Will be done on the 5th or 7 th day post-op.
Follow-up appointments: Scheduled on the 7th day following your surgery. Your surgeon may also schedule other follow-up appointments as necessary.
Showering: Keep the suture site dry and away from any sweat and dirt until your stitches are removed. You may apply Chloramphenicol ointment over the suture line before taking a shower.
Activity: It is advised to have bed rest in a cool and dry room and to limit your activities for a few days following surgery. You should also avoid all activities that are strenuous for the first 3 days.
Lying position: In the first few days and when sleeping, it is best to lay with your head elevated.
A special note: You must practice diligent sun protection and use darkly tinted sunglasses until the healing process is fully complete.
Results
Your final eyelid surgery results will appear within several weeks, but it may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine.
While eyelid surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions permanently, you will continue to age naturally. Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your results.
Recommended min length of stay in Thailand10 days.
