Do you look tired though you feel well rested? Is the skin of your upper eyelid drooping gently and almost touching your eyelashes? Do your eyes look smaller than they used to, with bags appearing where fresh skin once rested?
If you're in your late thirties or forties, you have probably seen these symptoms creep upon you regardless of your skincare practices.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes fat as well as excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can correct the sagging effects of time. Blepharoplasty can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgeries, such as a facelift or browlift.
The best candidates for eyelid surgery are healthy men and women who have realistic expectations. The average candidate is around 35 years old, though members of families that exhibit heavy eye bags and sagging lids may consider surgery at an earlier age.
Although a very safe operation for most, certain cases have inherent risks. Anyone with thyroid problems could suffer complications. People with high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes sufferers are also risky candidates. A person with a detached retina or glaucoma should consult with their ophthalmologist before any surgery.
Minor complications include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; this is temporary, however, in rare cases this condition may be permanent. A rare complication is ectropion, a pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required. Another concern could be if a pool of blood collects under the skin around the eye (haematoma) - this may need to be drained in a second operation if it doesn't disappear on its own or if it is large.
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will test your vision and your tear production. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them along. Your surgeon will need your complete medical history as well as information on any known allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.
You and your surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations for blepharoplasty, whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.
Your surgeon will explain the techniques and anesthesia, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. Except in unusual cases, most insurance policies don't cover eyelid surgery.
The surgery is usually completed in one to three hours. If you're having all four eyelids done, the surgeon will probably work on the upper lids first, then the lower ones. The surgeon makes incisions that follow the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes of your lower lids. The surgeon then separates the skin from underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removing excess fat while trimming any sagging skin and muscle.
If a pocket of fat rests beneath your lower eyelids but you don't need to have skin removed, your surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision is performed inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.
Using a local anesthetic, people are ready to go home after a short rest in a chair or on a bed. If the procedure is performed under a general anesthetic, a longer rest will be needed. A general anesthetic can temporarily affect co-ordination and reasoning skills, so people should avoid driving, drinking alcohol, making any vital decisions or signing legal documents for 24 hours afterwards.
Painkillers may be taken at home if needed. Applying a cold compress can help to reduce the swelling and bruising. Ice should never directly touch the skin. While recovering from surgery, keep your head higher than the body by lying propped up on pillows, and avoid bending over for a few days - both will help reduce swelling and bruising. Keep the eye area clean and avoid make-up for several days after the stitches have been removed. Avoid contact lenses for two weeks and avoid driving until your eyes have stopped watering and vision is back to normal.
The stitches are removed after five to 10 days and most people return to work after a week to 10 days. Your surgeon should be contacted immediately if the eyeball feels painful for more than a few hours after the operation, or if blurred vision lasts longer than three to four days. For the first few weeks you may also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision. This is normal.
You should keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. You may also be told to avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.
As you heal, your scars may remain slightly pink for six months or more. They will gradually fade to a thin, nearly invisible white line. Your more youthful and alert appearance will last for years and for many people, these results are permanent.
If you would like more information on blepharoplasty or would like to come in and see us, call us at (847) 853-9900.