Eyelid Surgery / Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a common procedure that corrects cosmetic issues of the upper and lower eyelids. When excess skin and fat collect around your eyelids, your face may appear aged, tired, or unhappy. Blepharoplasty is designed to correct this problem. There are several variations in technique, including procedures designed to address the same conditions on patients of Asian descent.
Are You a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Most people who choose this procedure are over the age of 35. They often have a hereditary predisposition for baggy eyelids and have a strong desire to correct it. If you exhibit conditions of the eyelid such as the following, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery:
- Excess eyelid skin (dermatochalasis)
- Bags above or below the eyes
- Drooping upper eyelids
- Stretched skin around the eyes
If you are bothered by these conditions, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ljung. You may also want to check with your opthalmologist to prepare for your consultation. If you have thyroid problems, Graves disease, dry eyes, high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical problems related to the eyes, blepharoplasty may not be recommended for you.
What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery
Surgery requires approximately 1 to 3 hours under local anesthesia. Because it is an outpatient procedure, you will not need to stay overnight in a hospital or surgery center. The doctor places incisions in the natural creases of the upper eyelid, or just above the lower eyelashes. The skin is meticulously separated from the muscle and fat before the excess eyelid tissue is trimmed or repositioned. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.
Recovering From Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect
You should expect about 7-10 days of downtime after your blepharoplasty procedure. Immediately after surgery, Dr. Ljung will lubricate your eyes and apply a bandage. Your eyelids will likely feel sore or tight as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Prescription pain medications are usually prescribed to manage discomfort during recovery.
When you are sent home, the doctor will give you post-operative instructions that should be closely followed. This may include steps to keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising. You will need to postpone use of contact lenses for about 2 weeks after your eyelid surgery. Exercise may need to be postponed as long as 3 weeks.
Possible Side Effects / Complications
All surgery, including blepharoplasty, carries a risk of complications or adverse events. Bruising is a common side effect after eyelid surgery, which often endures for 2 weeks or longer. You may experience excessive tear production, sensitivity to light and temporary blurriness of vision.
Complications such as infection, bleeding, swelling, scarring, asymmetry, difficulty closing eyes, pulling down of the lower lids and blindness are rare but possible.
To learn more about upper, lower or asian blepharoplasty at Azalea Plastic Surgery, contact us today to schedule a personal consultation with Wilmington plastic surgeon Tor Ljung M.D.
