Surgical Procedure:
Excess skin and fatty tissue is removed, the muscles and orbital septum may be tightened, and the incisions are carefully hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelids. Much of the operation is done with an electrocautery which assists in controlling any bleeding. The skin is then closed with very fine stitches to eliminate scarring.
Pre Operative Care:
Inform your surgeon of any allergies, medical conditions, and medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery, to avoid bleeding. Avoid smoking for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Hospital Admission:
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed on an out patient basis in the hospital under either general or local anesthesia; your surgeon will advise you of the best procedure for you.
Operation: One hour
Anesthetic: General or Local Anesthesia.
Post - operative Care:
After the surgery is completed your surgeon will lubricate your eyes with ointment and a bandage. Do not be alarmed if you wake with a bandage. Your eyelids may feel tight and sore but you can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. If you feel any severe pain, call your surgeon immediately.
Your surgeon will instruct you to keep your head elevated for the first week, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. Bruising varies from one individual to another and will gradually disappear. Your surgeon will advise you on how to bath your eyes to keep them clean and eliminate infection. They may be sticky for the first 2 weeks. Your surgeon may recommend eye drops, as your eyes may feel dry, burn or itch in the first to weeks to avoid discomfort. You may also experience sensitivity to light, and temporary changes in your eyesight, such as blurring or double vision, this will gradually pass as your eyes mend.
Your surgeon will follow your progress very closely for the next 2 weeks. The stitches will be removed two days to a week after surgery. Once they are out, the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will gradually subside, and you will start to look and feel much better.
Results:
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can make a remarkable difference in the appearance of the face, alleviating the appearance of tiredness and old age. The eyes appear fresher and more youthful and these results may last for many years, although it must be said that the degree of improvement varies from patient to patient.
Risks and Complications:
When eyelid surgery is performed by a quality accredited cosmetic surgeon, complications are infrequent, rare and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.
Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out; your surgeon can remove them easily with a very fine needle.
Following surgery, some patients may have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep; in rare cases this condition may be permanent. Another very rare complication is ectropion, the pulling down of the lower lids. In this case, further surgery may be required.
Note:
For the first week after surgery you will need to avoid any activity that dries or tires the eyes, this includes any strenuous activities on your eyes such as reading, watching television, or using a computer. You should also wear sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun. If you use contact lenses avoid them during the healing process. Your eyes may tire easily for several weeks and frequent naps may be helpful and increase the healing process.
For the first month, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting and sports. Avoid placing yourself in any emotional situation where you may cry as this will affect your recovery. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready to resume normal activities. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.
