Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty, more widely known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical method utilized to eliminate extra skin from the eyelids. People usually refer to this method as "eyelid lift" or "eyelid tuck". The weakening and stretching of the muscles that sustain the eyelids is a typical sign of aging, which leads to sagging eyebrows, drooping upper eyelids, and bags beneath the eyes. Eyelid surgery is a dramatic answer to address problems like loose or sagging skin that creates wrinkles or disrupts the normal shape of the upper eyelid, which sometimes affects vision, fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the eyelids, bags beneath the eyes, drooping lower eyelids, and surplus skin and wrinkles of the lower eyelid.
What is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a cosmetic or functional surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lower lid blepharoplasty both have their own indications and may be performed during the same procedure or at different times. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of the upper and lower eyelids is vital to identifying deformities that may lead to surgical correction while preventing unwanted complications resulting from the same surgical procedures.
The patients undergoing eyelid procedures should be examined regarding ophthalmologic pathology and receive a full eye exam, complete with a retinal examination. Specifically, patients should be asked about their visual acuity before the procedure, symptoms of dry eyes, and any visual obstruction. Furthermore, the patient's complete medical record should include any history of thyroid disease, diabetes, hypertension, or inflammatory diseases treated with steroids. A history of bleeding or clotting disorders should also be elicited.
Eyelid surgery is a common procedure among individuals with drooping or sagging eyelids, making them look tired, older, or sad. The surgery involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis using either general or local anesthesia and typically takes 1-2 hours to complete. The incisions for the procedure are made in natural creases or folds of the eyelids and are typically well-hidden after healing. The results of eyelid surgery are usually long-lasting, although some natural aging and changes may occur over time. The procedure has a relatively low risk of complications, and most people experience minimal pain and discomfort after the procedure. The results of an eyelid surgery make a significant difference in one's overall appearance and confidence.
Procedure steps
A typical eyelid surgery involves the following steps:
Anesthesia
Typically the procedure is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to provide you comfort during the procedure.
Incisions
The incision lines for the procedure are designed in such a way that the scars are well hidden under the skin folds or within the natural structures of the eyelid.
When performing an upper lid blepharoplasty, the doctor needs to remove a small piece of skin from the upper eyelid. Care must be taken to make sure 1.5-2 cm of skin is left between the top of the cut and the eyebrow to avoid any hollowing of the eyelid from having too much skin taken away.
Lower lid blepharoplasty is one of the most variable procedures in plastic surgery. it is quite an extensive procedure. In general, the technique involves skin resection, post-septal fat resection, blunting of the lid-cheek junction, and tightening of the lower lid tarsoligamentous complex. Not all patients will require the entire procedure. However, each will be addressed separately.
Closing the incisions
The incisions are typically closed with sutures or skin adhesives. The sutures are removed within a week.
Postoperative care
The patient should rest their head elevated to reduce swelling. Cold compresses can be applied to the eyes to reduce swelling and discomfort. Antibiotic ointment should be applied to the incisions as directed by the surgeon to prevent infection. Strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting and exercise, should be avoided for several weeks following the procedure. Sun exposure should be minimized, and sunglasses should be worn to protect the incisions from UV light. It's necessary to keep follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and ensure proper recovery.
Types of Eyelid Surgery
Which Eyelid Surgery is Right for You?
Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that can improve a patient's visual fields and help achieve cosmetic goals. The type of eyelid surgery right for you depends on your individual needs and goals. There are several different eyelid surgery procedures, including upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), lower eyelid surgery, and double eyelid surgery. The best way to determine which procedure is correct for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your eyes, discuss your goals and concerns, and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Knowing the complications can also help patients get the correct pre- and post-operative treatment.
Lower Eyelid
Lower eyelid surgery, also known as lower blepharoplasty, is not a straightforward operation. It encompasses a range of procedures that seek to improve the look of the lower lids.
Traditionally, lower blepharoplasty was a reduction surgery that eliminated skin or fat to lessen wrinkles, extra skin surplus, and fat protuberances in the lower lids. This involves making incisions in the lower eyelid and removing or relocating unwanted skin, fat, and muscle. Afterward, sutures are used to close the incisions and a bandage is put on the area.
The operation may be done with local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The duration of recuperation could range from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the process.
Double Eyelid
Blepharoplasty, which is also referred to as "Asian blepharoplasty" due to its widespread use in the East Asian population, is an elective operation that is done to give a supra-tarsal crease (a skin fold or crease in the upper eyelid) to those who have concerns with their physical appearance. This surgery results in a more noticeable, symmetrical, and almond-shaped eye. The elevation of the upper eyelid crease can be changed to match the patient's preference and facial anatomy.
This technique may be combined with epicanthoplasty, which is a procedure that involves extending the inner corner of the eye towards the nose. The combination of these two operations will broaden and lengthen the eyes for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Upper Eyelid
Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids, commonly known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical operation intended for improving the look of the upper eyelids. Reasons for the surgery include the presence of drooping and baggy skin that disrupts vision or creates aesthetic issues in the patient. Those who experience drooping, saggy or exhausted-looking eyelids that disrupt their daily life are usually the best candidates for this procedure.
The surgical procedure involves removing extra skin and fat to create a more energetic and rejuvenated look. This operation is usually carried out using local anesthesia or with sedation, and takes an hour or two to complete. The time it takes to recover can vary, but most people can resume their regular activities in one to two weeks.