Blepharoplasty is a surgery used to correct deformities, disfigurations, as well as defects of the eyelids. It is a plastic surgery used to modify the eye area. This surgery is basically for people who want anti-aging treatment. With age, people observe sagging skin near the eyes.
It is a very natural process however, sometimes people consider plastic surgeries such as this one to correct their drooping skin. People often consider blepharoplasty in case they feel unsatisfied with their drooping skin.
Blepharoplasty is not done only because of cosmetic reasons. A person whose vision is impacted because of sagging skin is also a very good candidate for this surgery. Oftentimes people’s vision gets impacted because of their hanging skin.
Preparation
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Eyelid surgery is complex. Here is a step-by-step preparation guide for Blepharoplasty:
Get an appointment with a plastic surgeon and consult them. Discuss all your desires, concerns and issues that you are facing because of droopy skin. Ask about the surgery, its outcomes, concerns, precautions, and so on. Also, ask the surgeon about their experience and credentials. Credentials and experience hold a lot of importance when it comes to such surgeries.
The candidate will have to get some tests done before the surgery. He or she will have to go through a physical body examination to measure the eyes.
Doctors would also take a few pictures of the eyelids. This would help them during the treatment.
An important thing to keep in mind is that you have to talk about all medications that you are taking before the surgery. These medications include:
- Over-the-counter remedies
- prescription drugs
- herbal supplements
Most probably you would be asked to not take anything that increases the risk of bleeding like warfarin and ibuprofen. If you are a smoker then you will have to stop smoking for several weeks before the surgery.
Procedure
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This surgery is generally held on an outpatient basis, which basically means that one can go home shortly after the surgery. Anesthesia is used only sometimes, generally, it is a numbing agent that the surgeon gives to the eyelids. Here is a step-by-step procedure of this surgery. If you are looking forward to getting blepharoplasty london done, check out eyesdefined.com.
The upper eyelid region is addressed first. The surgeon will make a tiny cut and then will remove the excess skin in that area. Sometimes, the surgeon also removes excess muscle and fat. Blepharoplasty of the lower lid generally involves removing fat as well as a small portion of skin in some cases. It is excess fats that lead to under-eye bags. The incision could be on the inner side of the eyelid or on the outside under the lower eyelashes. Sometimes, the lower eyelids are secured or tightened to the bony skeleton.
If you are going for this surgery for cosmetic surgery then, chances are that insurance won’t cover the surgery. Thus, it is a good idea to talk about the costs of the surgery beforehand to the surgeon.
Recovery
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Recovery from this surgery is short when compared with other surgeries. After the surgery, the patient will be taken to the recovery room. Patients will be monitored after the surgery for various side effects. If the patient does not show any side effects they will be asked to leave for home on the same day.
It is advised that the patient rests for a couple of days after blepharoplasty. Some people do experience pain as well as selling after the surgery. The doctor might suggest ibuprofen if the patient experiences pain and swelling. Generally, it takes around seven to fifteen days for these symptoms to vanish. Sometimes the surgeon also recommends ice packs for some days.
Another short-term side includes sensitivity to light and blurry vision. In case these symptoms last for long one should consult their doctor immediately.
Wearing contact lenses is not recommended for 15 days after the surgery. Patients, however, can go for alternatives like a prescription.
The patients don’t have to keep their eyes closed during the recovery phase but they might have to protect the area with gauze. The patients are also advised to wash that area gently.
Risks involved
There are some risks associated with all sorts of surgeries such as bruising, bleeding as well as infection. Another common risk is Blood clots but that is very rare, however, it is quite a serious risk.
Some other complications and risks include the following:
- dry eyes
- blurry vision
- itchiness near eyes
- damage sun exposure
- muscle damage
- inability to close the eyes
- scars
Talking to the doctor about these risks beforehand is very important. In case the patient has any history of health complications then that must be shared with the surgeon.
How long will Blepharoplasty last?
A common question faced by the patients of blepharoplasty is how long will blepharoplasty last? Generally, the result will last up to 5 to 7 years. In the case of blepharoplasty, the lower lid has to be rarely repeated. In case you notice that the eyelids are sagging again then one can go for a brow lift rather than surgery.
Efficacy
Occasionally this surgery is used in combination with other procedures to enhance the results. People who have very saggy eyebrows could also go for a brow lift along with blepharoplasty. Some people also go for a full facelift along with blepharoplasty. In case you are also considering Blepharoplasty you can ask your surgeon to suggest other surgeries or procedures to enhance the effect.
Generally, eyelid surgery is just a one-time affair. But, you could need other surgeries in case you aren’t satisfied with the results or when the eyelids aren’t healed properly.
Final Words
Blepharoplasty is generally used to heal some common signs associated with aging developed near the eyes. In case you are worried about excess sagginess near the eye region, consult a dermatologist about all the options available. Sometimes patients might not even need surgery, thus it is always a good idea to consult a doctor before deciding anything.
