Blepharoplasty

Last updated date: 17-Jul-2023

Originally Written in English

Blepharoplasty

Overview

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves extracting extra skin, fat, or muscle to correct the drooping eyelids. A person’s eyelids tend to stretch as they become older, while the muscles that hold them also weaken. Due to this, excess fat may accumulate above and below the eyelids, resulting in sagging brows, drooping upper lids, and bags beneath the eyes.

In addition, the sagging skin around the eyes can diminish side vision or peripheral vision apart from giving you an older appearance. This is mainly in the upper and outer areas of the visual field. These vision issues can be reduced or eliminated with blepharoplasty, making your eyes look younger and alert. 

 

What is Blepharoplasty surgery?

Blepharoplasty surgery

Blepharoplasty is a surgical operation used to enhance the look of the upper and lower eyelids. Upper or lower lid surgery, or both, can be performed. Eyelid surgery may renew the region around your eyes, whether you wish to improve your look or are facing functional difficulties with your eyelids. conditions may blepharoplasty surgery treat like ,loose or sagging skin that causes wrinkles or disrupts the normal curve of the upper eyelid, occasionally limiting vision ,fatty deposits in the eyelids that appear as puffiness ,bags behind the eyes ,lower eyelids that droop and display white behind the iris and lower eyelid excess skin and fine creases.

 

Why Blepharoplasty is done?

Blepharoplasty is done

If the droopy or saggy eyelids prevent your eyes from fully opening or drag down the lower eyelids, you may want to consider blepharoplasty. It is possible to enhance your vision through the removal of extra tissue from the upper lids. Blepharoplasty on the upper and lower eyelids can give your eyes a youthful and alert look. 

If you have the following eye conditions, blepharoplasty might be a good option for you:

  • Upper eyelids which are saggy or droopy
  • Excess upper eyelid skin that is obstructing the side or peripheral vision 
  • Extra skin on the lower eyelids 
  • Under-the-eye bags

Blepharoplasty can sometimes be done in conjunction with other procedures, including a facelift, brow lift, or even skin resurfacing.

 

Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

Candidate for blepharoplasty

The following people are good candidates for blepharoplasty surgery:

  • Individuals that are healthy and do not have any medical issues that might impede healing
  • Nonsmokers
  • Individuals with a positive attitude and attainable aims
  • Individuals who do not have major eye issues

Keep in mind that the eyelids are a component of the face. A drooping upper lid may also be caused by relaxation of the forehead skin and brow. A drooping eyelid can be caused by straining the upper eyelid muscle. This is known as eyelid ptosis, and it necessitates a distinct surgical procedure. Your plastic surgeon will extensively examine your face structure and explain which surgeries could best address your issues.

 

What should I expect during a Blepharoplasty consultation?

Blepharoplasty consultation

Prepare to cover the following topics during your blepharoplasty surgery consultation:

  • Your surgical objectives
  • Medical illnesses, medication allergies, past medical treatments, and, in particular, any difficulties with your eyes
  • Prescription pharmaceuticals now in use, including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug usage
  • Previous operations

In addition, your plastic surgeon will:

  • Examine your overall health as well as any pre-existing medical issues or risk factors.
  • Take pictures
  • Examine your eyelid surgery possibilities.
  • Provide a treatment plan.
  • Discuss the possible outcomes of blepharoplasty surgery as well as any potential hazards.
  • Talk about the sort of anesthetic that will be utilized.

During the appointment, you can ask your plastic surgeon any questions you have. To assist you, we have compiled a list of questions to ask your cosmetic surgeon, which you may bring with you to your eyelid surgery appointment. It's normal to experience some worry, whether it's enthusiasm for your new appearance or preoperative tension. Don't be afraid to express your emotions to your plastic surgeon.

 

What blepharoplasty-related questions should I ask my plastic surgeon?

Plastic surgeon consultation

During your blepharoplasty surgery consultation, use the following checklist as a guide:

  • Are you an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon?
  • Were you trained especially in the field of plastic surgery?
  • How long have you been studying plastic surgery?
  • Do you have the necessary hospital credentials to carry out this procedure? If so, which hospitals are you referring to?
  • Is the office-based surgical facility accredited, licensed, or Medicare-certified by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency?
  • Is this surgery appropriate for me?
  • What would be expected of me in order to get the greatest results?
  • How and where will you carry out my procedure?
  • What surgical method is best for me?
  • How long should I expect my recuperation to take, and what type of assistance will I require?
  • What are the risks and hazards of my procedure?
  • How are problems dealt with?
  • How should I anticipate my eyes to age?
  • What are my choices if I am unhappy with the cosmetic results of my eyelid surgery?
  • Do you have before-and-after images of this surgery I might look at, and what kind of outcomes are feasible for me?

 

How to Prepare for Blepharoplasty?

Prepare for Blepharoplast

Before you schedule a blepharoplasty surgery, you will first meet with your plastic surgeon and an ophthalmologist (eye expert) or a plastic surgeon specializing in eye procedures (oculoplastic surgeon). You and the physician will then discuss the following in detail; 

Your medical background: 

The specialist will inquire about your past surgeries as well as previous or current medical conditions. These can include glaucoma, dry eyes, allergies, thyroid issues, circulatory issues, or diabetes. He or she will also inquire about the prescriptions, herbal supplements, vitamins, tobacco, alcohol, and narcotics you use. 

Your treatment expectations: 

An open discussion about your surgical goals and motivations can assist in setting the stage for a successful outcome. If the surgery is likely to work for you, your doctor will also discuss it with you.

In addition, you will have to go through the following procedures before undergoing eyelid surgery;

A comprehensive physical exam: The plastic surgeon will perform a physical examination on you. This may involve measuring sections of your lids and checking your tear production.

A vision test: If necessary, the surgeon will also assess your eyes and examine your vision as well as the peripheral vision. Typically, this is necessary in order to submit an insurance claim.

Lid photography: The surgeon will take pictures of your eyes from various angles. The photographs are essential for surgical planning, assessing both immediate and long-term consequences, and submitting an insurance claim.

In certain cases, the plastic surgeon will ask you to do the following as you prepare for the blepharoplasty procedure; 

  • Quit using medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. These drugs include ibuprofen, aspirin, warfarin, naproxen sodium, and other medicines and herbal supplements. 
  • Stop smoking at least a few weeks before undergoing the procedure. This is because smoking can slow down the recovery process following surgery.
  • Have someone drive you home after the procedure.

 

What to Expect During Blepharoplasty?

During Blepharoplasty
 

Blepharoplasty is normally done as an outpatient procedure. This implies that you'll be able to return home soon following the surgery. Only a few people may require general anesthesia. Usually, the plastic surgeon will inject numbing content into the eyelids. 

The upper eyelids are the first to be treated during the procedure. The surgeon will create a small incision through which he or she will remove the extra skin, fat, and muscle from the area. Before sealing the cut, some of the tissues may be relocated to other places around the eye.

Lower lid blepharoplasty is the next step. It often involves removing excess fat contributing to under-eye bags, including a small piece of skin. The cut can be made on the inside or outside of the eyelid, beneath the lower lashes. Also, the lower lid might be tightened or fastened to the bone skeleton for some people.

 

Types of anesthesia used when performing blepharoplasty

Depending on the nature of the treatment, your plastic surgeon will conduct blepharoplasty under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia.

This is a blend of intravenous (IV) drugs and some gasses to make the patient fall into a profound sleep. This means that you will be completely oblivious of the treatment and will experience no discomfort.

  • Regional anesthesia

A nerve block is another name for regional anesthesia. To numb a broad part of the body, an anesthetic is injected around the nerves. The surgeon will inject an anesthetic into the skin and tissues surrounding the procedure region to numb a smaller part (local anesthesia). To make you relaxed and more comfortable during the procedure, you will most likely receive sedation along with a regional anesthetic. 

 

Blepharoplasty Recovery

 

Blepharoplasty Recovery

When compared to other forms of surgical procedures, recovery from blepharoplasty is relatively quick. You will be sent to a recovery room right after the treatment. Here, the healthcare team will monitor you for side effects and send you home on that same day, unless issues arise.

It's crucial to take it easy for a few days following eyelid surgery. Swelling and discomfort are possible side effects. The physician can prescribe ibuprofen to help alleviate these symptoms. In most cases, these symptoms may take one or two weeks to disappear completely. Therefore, the doctor will recommend using ice packs over the next few days.

After eyelid surgery, wearing contact lenses is restricted until after two weeks or even more. Therefore, make sure that you have a backup option in place, like prescription glasses. Short-term adverse effects of blepharoplasty include blurred vision and light sensitivity. If these symptoms persist for more than one or two days, contact your doctor. 

Covering your eyes during the entire phase of recovery is not necessary. However, gauze may be prescribed to protect the region as you heal at home. You should also ensure that you wash the area carefully and maintain it clean at all times. 

After a couple of days, you will return to the blepharoplasty surgeon for a review and, if necessary, the removal of any stitches.

Ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what to expect during your specific recovery time.

  • Where will I be taken once my procedure is finished?
  • What medications will be administered to or prescribed to me following surgery?
  • Will I be wearing bandages or dressings following surgery?
  • When are they going to be removed?
  • Are the stitches taken out? When?
  • When will I be able to resume normal activities and exercise?
  • When should I come back for follow-up care?

Sun protection and blepharoplasty surgery recovery

You must use darkly tinted shades and shield yourself from the light until the healing process is complete. 

 

Blepharoplasty Results 

Blepharoplasty Results 

Most patients are usually pleased with their blepharoplasty outcomes, which include a more relaxed and youthful look as well as increased self-confidence. The effects of surgery may endure a lifetime for some people. Others may experience a recurrence of drooping eyelids.

Bruising and swelling usually go away in about 10 to 14 days. At this point, you will be more comfortable and can go out in public once again. However, you should be careful not to overexpose your delicate eyelid skin to the sun. Also, the surgical cuts may leave scars that take months to disappear. 

 

Risks of Blepharoplasty

 
Risks of Blepharoplasty

Bleeding, bruising, and infection are all risks associated with surgery. Blood clots are a rare but dangerous complication if it occurs. Other possible risks and complications are; 

  • Damage caused by too much sun exposure 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Dry eyes 
  • Itching in the area around the eyes
  • Being unable to close your eyes
  • Damages to the muscles
  • Scarring 

It's critical to discuss these dangers with your plastic surgeon in advance. In addition, let your surgeon know if you have ever had any previous issues with any form of surgery.

 

Blepharoplasty Efficiency 

Blepharoplasty is sometimes performed together with a different related operation to enhance the outcome. Some individuals who have sagging brows may benefit from a brow lift. Others may opt for a complete facelift to treat multiple cosmetic concerns at once. 

You may want to ask your surgeon if there are any other procedures that could help you get the most out of your blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery is ideally a one-time process. Therefore, if the results don’t satisfy you or your kids fail to heal the first time appropriately, you may need additional procedures.

 

Long term outlook after blepharoplasty 

Swelling from the surgery will gradually subside with time. Most people believe that blepharoplasty improves their appearance significantly, particularly for those who have relatively loose upper eyelid skin or big bags beneath the eyes. The ultimate results will appear in a few weeks, but incision or cut lines may take up to one year to completely heal. 

Blepharoplasty might be expected to address certain eye issues permanently. However, you will still be affected by the consequences of aging.

 

What is the cost of blepharoplasty surgery?

Cost of blepharoplasty surgery

According to the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons figures. This average cost is only a portion of the total cost; anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related expenses are not included. To calculate your total charge, please contact your cosmetic surgeon's office.

The pricing for cosmetic blepharoplasty surgery will be determined by the surgeon's experience, the type of operation employed, and the geographic location of the facility. Ask your plastic surgeon about patient financing options for cosmetic blepharoplasty surgery.

Costs for blepharoplasty surgery may include:

  • Fee for a surgeon
  • Costs of a hospital or surgical institution
  • Anesthesia costs
  • Medication prescriptions
  • Medical examinations

When selecting an eyelid surgeon in your region, keep in mind that the surgeon's experience and your comfort level with him or her are just as significant as the ultimate cost of the procedure.

Surgery for blepharoplasty and health insurance

The majority of health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications. Insurance may pay for blepharoplasty surgery performed to remove the extra skin covering the eyelashes. Examine your insurance thoroughly.

 

Conclusion 

Blepharoplasty is a surgical technique that improves the hooding of the upper eyelids and eliminates bagginess in the lower lids. However, upper blepharoplasty is not the same as upper eyelid ptosis correction, which lifts droopy upper lids. 

Blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin, muscle, and underlying fat tissue. However, tissues can sometimes be relocated rather than eliminated. Blepharoplasty is essentially a cosmetic treatment. It can also help individuals whose sagging upper eyelids are obstructing their eyesight, as recommended by an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon.