Eyelid surgery
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a common surgery performed to rejuvenate the eyes.
As we age the skin loses its elasticity, becomes thinner and increasingly wrinkly. The other significant change that occurs is the visibility of fat pockets. These are more commonly known as bags, and they start to herniate through the skin as their supporting structures become weaker
We have two sets of eyelids: Upper and lower. The type of surgery required for each is different, as is the amount of recovery required for each
The surgery aims to produce a soft and smooth contour to the eyelid, which is in harmony with the rest of your face, removing the tired and sagging appearance.
What is involved in the procedure
You will initially attend a consultation with Dr. Faisal, explaining your concerns. He will run through your medical history and examine your eyes.
Following this, he will explain what is and what is not possible. Only if you are a suitable candidate and if your expectations can be met with the surgery will Dr. Faisal suggest an operation
Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)
Upper eyelid surgery is normally performed while you are awake under local anesthetic.
This can be performed in the clinic setting or the hospital, depending on whether it is performed alone or with other procedures
The procedure involves carefully planning the incision so the scar is not visible.
Dr. Faisal will carefully resect just the right amount of skin- Not too little so that the deformity persists, but not too much that you look unnatural
If there is excess fat contributing to the appearance of the eyelid, then this will be judiciously removed
The wound will then be closed with sutures and glue applied to act as a dressing
You will be allowed to return home very soon after the surgery
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery requires a general anesthetic and will be performed at the hospital. The surgery is more complex than upper eyelid surgery.
Dr. Faisal will perform the surgery from the inside of the eyelid or outside depending upon what is the cause of the problem.
If the issue is just excess fat pushing on the skin, then he will use a scar on the inside of the eyelid and rather than removing the fat, he will redrape across the junction between the eyelid and the cheek, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance
If there is an excess amount of skin then this will necessitate an external scar just beneath the lash line and extending laterally into the crow's feet
Lower blepharoplasty can be associated with more problems than upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The initial examination will highlight to Dr. Faisal if any additional procedures need to be performed to keep the lower eyelid in the correct position and the shape of the eye natural
The wound on the insisted of the eyelid will be closed with dissolving sutures and the skin will be closed with sutures that will be removed in 7-10 days
Who is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Careful selection of patients is vital to success with eyelid surgery. Below are issues which may cause problems in the recovery following surgery
A history of dry eyes- This will be exacerbated postoperatively
Laser eye surgery in the last 6 months- This will cause dry eyes
Contact lenses- This may cause dry eyes
Thyroid eye disease- This may cause the lower lid to pull down
The use of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, aspirin, and Plavix can increase the risk of bleeding, which very very rarely causes blindness. These have to be stopped 1 week before surgery
Medical problems such as diabetes can lead to poor wound healing
Medications such as steroids interfere with wound healing
Smoking will need to be stopped 3 weeks before surgery, as this negatively impacts wound healing
What Is The Recovery For Eyelid Surgery
The patients for all eyelid surgery will be allowed to go home the same day. There will be swelling and bruising.
The surgery is not painful. Although pain killers will be prescribed, they will most likely not be used
Patients are encouraged to use ice packs on their eyes every hour for 5 minutes to help reduce swelling. This will need to be done for 1 week
The swelling will reduce the ability of the eye to close fully and this predisposes the surface of the eye to become dry. Artificial tears will be prescribed to lubricate the eyeball.
The stitches on the inside of the eye can occasionally irritate the surface of the eye, resulting in inflammation. Steroid eye drops can be prescribed to treat this
Avoiding activities that lean the head forward will reduce swelling
Sleeping with 2-3 pillows for the first week will help to reduce swelling and bruising
Avoid any physical activities for 6 weeks until after the operation
Postoperative visits occur at 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 weeks
Upper Eyelid
This normally takes about 1 week. The bruising is typically limited to the suture line
Sutures are removed at 1 week
Lower Eyelid
When you awake you will find tape at the corner of your eye pulling the lower eyelid up to the temple. This will need to be kept in position until the first post-operative visit
The swelling and bruising persist a little longer in the lower eyelid. Dr. Faisal normally recommends you take 2 weeks to recover
Sutures are removed at 1 week
What Can I Do To Prepare For Surgery?
Stop Smoking at least 3 weeks before eyelid surgery
Stop blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin, Warfarin, and Plavix 1 week before surgery
Taking Arnica tablets 1 week leading up to the eyelid surgery significantly reduces the bruising and swelling patients experience
Arranging a friend or relative to be close by for the first couple of days to help with groceries can be helpful
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