Blepharoplasty
or eyelid surgery, can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence
by eliminating droopy or sagging eyelids. As people age the eyelid
stretches, muscles weaken, and fat accumulates around the eyes, causing
"bags", or excess skin to become prominent. During your
consultation with your doctor, will assess which of the four eyelids
(top and bottom for both eyes) require the procedure.
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically
healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations.
Generally patients for this procedure are 35 years or older. However,
if sagging eyelids run in your family, it may be advisable to have
eyelid surgery at a younger age.
Eyelid surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia. If
your doctor chooses local anesthesia, he will numb the area around
your eyes, along with giving you a mild oral or IV sedative. The actual
surgery takes one to three hours. The incisions made during the surgery
follow the natural lines of your eye.
As with any procedure there may be complications. These include infection,
or a reaction to the anesthesia used. Minor complications that commonly
follow eyelid surgery include double or blurred vision for a few days,
which is caused by swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and slight
asymmetry in healing or scarring.
Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their
eyes when they sleep*. Adhering to the physician’s advice on
pre and post op care will greatly reduce the risk of complications.
After you surgery, you will feel a tightness n your eyes. An ointment
and a bandage will cover your eyes. A cold compress and elevation
will help keep the swelling and bruising down. For the first few weeks
following your surgery, you may experience excessive tearing, sensitivity
to light, and temporary changes in your vision such as blurring or
double vision. Your stitches will be removed 2 to 7 days after your
surgery.