The blepharoplasty procedure, also often simply referred to as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that can result in your eyes looking more rested and fresher. The procedure can be targeted to just the upper eyelids or on both the upper and the lower eyelids.
What areas of concern can eyelid surgery address?
This popular cosmetic procedure can address a number of concerns with the eyelids. It can also offer the functional benefit of helping to remove excess skin that droops over the eyes and impairs the vision of the patient.
Blepharoplasty can treat one or more of the following cosmetic concerns with the eyes.
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Bags underneath the eyes, whether the result of excess fat or genetics.
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Dark circles beneath the lower eyelids, which can often be the results of genetics.
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Noticeable wrinkles and other fine lines on the upper eyelids.
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Excess fat on the upper or lower eyelids; many have concerns with both the upper and lower eyelids, so it’s best to address it all at once.
During your consultation you’ll be able to discuss each of your concerns with your surgeon. According to plastic surgery expert Dr. Zurek cosmetic surgery that addresses concerns with the eyelids have a marked positive impact on your appearance. Be sure to discuss your cosmetic goals during your consultation so that you are much more likely to be satisfied with your results.
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
Generally speaking, if you have any of the areas of concerns with your upper and lower eyelids, you’ll be a good candidate for the blepharoplasty surgery. Candidates for any surgical procedure should be in good overall health. This means that you shouldn’t have any underlying medical concerns that may interfere with your body’s ability to recover from surgery.
It’s also important that you have realistic expectations about what the surgery can accomplish. The majority of patients are thrilled with their results, but it is important to have a solid understanding about what could be expected after the surgery.
Are there any potential complications with blepharoplasty?
Any surgical procedure can bring with it the potential for complications in even the healthiest of patients. Communicating any health concerns with your surgeon prior to the day of your procedure will go a long way toward ensuring that any potential risks are suitably minimised.
Some of the major potential risks and complications that are seen with eyelid surgery include the following.
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Excessive bleeding. It’s important to been seen by your surgeon if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
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Infection or signs of infection. This could include redness, swelling, and warmth from the incision sites. A fever could also be a sign of an infection and should be cause for calling your surgeon immediately.
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Scarring. While it’s the rare surgery that doesn’t produce scars, the blepharoplasty procedure is typically performed in a way that disguises the scars in the natural folds of the eyelid. That said, patients may experience redness and deep purple shading to their scars before they heal completely.
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Dry eye. This can be remedied with prescription eye drops that will protect and lubricate your eyes as they heal.
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Loss of vision or double vision. This can be one of the more alarming potential complications of the procedure. It’s important to note that any loss or change in vision is typically temporary and will resolve itself within a few short days.
How painful is the procedure?
There will be no pain felt during the procedure itself, as it’s typically performed under general anaesthesia. Any discomfort or pain that is felt after the procedure can be managed with prescription and over the counter pain relievers as they are needed.
While the eyelids themselves may stay swollen and bruised for several weeks after the procedure, any pain or discomfort should be gone after the first week of healing.
Blepharoplasty is a relatively non-invasive procedure that can restore a fresh and youthful glow to your face. Side effects and complications are rare, and results are long-lasting and beautiful.