| Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) is a surgical procedure which will remove excess fat, skin, and muscle in order to fix saggy upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes. These symptoms can make you look and feel older, and also may negatively affect your vision. This plastic surgery procedure can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. Patients typically can begin reading again after 3 days, back to work in less than 10 days and wearing contact lenses after 2 weeks. The best candidates for Liposuction are both men and women, who are not excessively over weight.
Important Note: Every single patient is different, and has a different scenario. Because of that, it is very important that prior to making a decision, you contact a board certified plastic surgeon, and consult with them about your goals, desires and to see if you are a good candidate for this plastic surgery procedure.
Are you a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for Eyelid Surgery are both men and women.
Is this you?
- Do you have drooping upper eye lids?
- Do you have ìpuffyî bags below your eyes?
- Are you physically healthy?
- Do you have realistic expectations in reference to plastic surgery?
If you:
- Have thyroid problems, high blood pressure or any other type of circulatory disorder, it makes eyelid surgery more risky. Consult with your plastic surgeon.
- Have unrealistic expectations this may not be for you. You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
- Are not physically healthy, you would not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery.
Risks
- Blurred vision for a few days following surgery.
- Swelling of the eyelids.
- Difficulty closing eyes.
- Reaction to the anesthesia.
- Infection
- Scarring is usually minimal but is different depending on the exact procedure.
The Procedure
Blepharoplasty usually takes 1 ñ 3 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Typically, if you are having all four eyelids worked on, the plastic surgeon will work on the upper eyelids first, and then the lower eyelids. The plastic surgeon will make incisions in the creases of your upper eyelids and just below the lashes for the lower eyelids. The plastic surgeon will then work through these incisions, removing the skin from the primary fatty tissue and muscle. The plastic surgeon will remove excess fat and usually will trim the extra skin and muscle. Your incisions will then be closed.
After Surgery, Your Recovery
Following surgery, your eyes will be lubricated with ointment, and in some cases bandages will be placed on them. Many patients will experience very tight and sore eyes following the procedure, after the anesthesia wears off. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you with some medication for this pain.
The plastic surgeon will instruct you to elevate your head for several days, and also to use cold packs to reduce the bruising and swelling. Most plastic surgeons will recommend eye drops because your eyelids will typically feel dry at first. The plastic surgeon will also show you how to clean your eyes. The stitches will be removed within a week after surgery, some times as early as the second day.
You will not be able to wear contact lenses for at least two weeks, but will be able to read and watch television usually with 3 days. Expect to feel normal within 7-10 days.
Did you know? Every Plastic Surgeon on MyPlasticSurgeonUSA is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery!
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