Why Blepharoplasty?
As we age, excess skin forms in the eye area, and the skin loses elasticity. Fatty tissue can accumulate under the skin. Your eyes will "look older" because these aging processes leave the eyes appearing tired, wrinkled or puffy. Even with good skincare and eye care, wrinkles, puffiness and drooping eyelids will catch up to you. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in younger people. Plastic surgery may restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Dr. Hart will make incisions along the line creases of the upper eyelid and possibly along the outer lower rim of the eye's skin. When removing fatty tissue, but not skin, the surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty with an incision inside the lower rim of the eye's skin. These incisions often reach the outer corners of theeyes. Dr. Hart then divides the fatty tissue and muscle from the skin so that excess skin, fat or muscle can be removed.
Blepharoplasty is often performed under local anesthesia — while you are sedated, numbed and awake — in an outpatient surgery center, surgeon's office or hospital. General anesthesia (meaning, while you are asleep) may be used. Be sure to discuss the appropriate type of anesthesia with Dr. Hart and the anesthesia provider.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, time in surgery may be up to three hours. Patients return home typically within hours of the surgery.
After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Your eyes will likely be lubricated and covered with bandages after surgery. Oral medications will help with pain and discomfort. Report any unmanageable pain to Dr. Hart immediately. Dr. Hart will also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.
You will receive a list of instructions to follow for several days, including:
- the proper way to clean your eyes
- use of cold compresses
- use of lubricating eye drops
- head elevation
- no makeup
- no alcohol
- no television
- no contact lenses
Stitches are removed about a week after surgery. Bruising and swelling will continue to decrease after stitches are removed. Sunglasses and protective sun block are required for several weeks.
Normal activities can resume after about 10 days, though strenuous activities such as lifting, bending and exercise can resume after about three weeks.