For appointments call 9910009144 & 9540009144       .
EyeCareDelhi
Search the web:
 Dr. Sanjay Dhawan
Blepharoplasty
What is it?
Why is it done?
Who is a good candidate?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
What tests are required?
What is the anesthesia and discomfort involved?
 
What is it?
 

Eyelid surgery (also called an eye lift or blepharoplasty), reduces bagginess from lower eyelids and removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. This surgery is usually done for cosmetic reasons. It's also an effective way to improve sight in older people whose sagging upper eyelids get in the way of their vision. An eye lift will not eliminate dark circles under the eyes, crow's feet, or other facial wrinkles. It is often done along with other procedures such as laser resurfacing, filler injections, or forehead lifts.

Why is it done?
 

It is done for the cosmetic and visual improvement of the patient.As skin ages, it gradually loses its elasticity. A lack of elasticity plus the constant pull from gravity causes excessive skin to collect on the upper and lower eyelids.

Excess skin on the lower eyelid causes wrinkles and bulges. On the upper eyelids, an extra fold of skin can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of seeing.

The fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull can also cause bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. The thin membrane that holds the fat in place weakens with age, letting the fat jut into the lids.

Who is a good candidate?
 

The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

What are the benefits?
 

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

What are the risks?
 

As with any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some risks, such as infection or reaction to anesthesia. Other possible risks specific to this surgery include:

  • Temporary numbness of the eyelid skin
  • Dry, irritated eyes
  • Temporary vision changes, such as double vision
  • Impaired eyelid function
  • Scarring
  • Injury to eye muscles
  • A very small risk of blindness due to bleeding behind the eye .
What tests are required?
 

Prior to eyelid surgery the patient should have a detailed eye examination and discussion about blepharoplasty and potential risks associated with the procedure. The patient should follow the doctor's pre-operative instructions carefully and thoroughly review the post-operative instructions before the day of surgery. This will allow the patient to have any medications for pain relief or necessary items such a gel packs, artificial tears, and gauze at home prior to their return from surgery.

It may be required to have the medical doctor "clear" you for surgery if intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is used.

What is the anesthesia and discomfort involved?
 

Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is used which may leads to prolonged discomfort .

What are the alternatives /options?
 

The surgery is the only options in this case to restore the eyelid shape and visual improvement.

What are the steps of surgery?
 

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove skin and to add or remove fat from the eyelids. The term "eyelid lift" is a misconception because the eyelid is not lifted during surgery.

Upper blepharoplasty surgery uses incisions on the skin to allow for removal of skin and fat. A thin stitch is then used to bring the skin together to allow for a creation of an eyelid crease.

Lower eyelid surgery can involve skin incisions directly below the lash line or an incision on the inside of the eyelid, called a transconjunctival approach. The transconjunctival approach allows for access to the eyelid fat without visible incisions making this technique perfect for patients who need fat removed or added. This approach can be combined with laser resurfacing of the eyelid skin to reduce lines and wrinkles.

What technology is used?
 

Upper eyelid excess skin and fat can create a heavy looking eyelid, aged appearance, puffiness, and sometimes block vision. Upper blepharoplasty is performed to remove excess skin and fat and can improve vision.

Double eyelid surgery (sometimes termed Asian eyelid surgery) is performed to create an upper eyelid crease. Double eyelid surgery is also called Westernization of the eyelid.

Lower blepharoplasty is performed to remove excess skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve the shape of the lower eyelid by removing skin and fat. Sometimes tightening the eyelid is needed to correct droopiness or sagging. Adding fat is done to improve a “hollowed” appearance

How much is the time taken for surgery, in hospital and for recovery?
 

Usually patients have a short recovery time after blepharoplasty. Although bruising and swelling is usually worse on the day after surgery, they quickly begin to disappear. During the first 48 hours the use of cool compresses can greatly reduce bruising and swelling around the eyes and face. Light activity such as walking will also help speed healing. Thin bandages are usually placed over the incision sites and removed in several days, while the stitches can remain in the skin for about a week. Sometimes self-absorbing stitches are used that do not require removal.

Most people return to normal activities after 7 to 10 days following blepharoplasty. By 2 weeks after eyelid surgery, the majority of the bruising and swelling will resolve.

What are the precautions and care before and after the surgery?
 

Blepharoplasty usually takes less than two hours, depending on the amount and location of tissue being removed. Afterward patient spend time in a recovery room, where he is monitored for complications. The Patient can leave later that day to recuperate at home.

After blepharoplasty a lubricating ointment will be applied to your eyes to protect them and prevent dryness. The ointment may cause temporary blurred vision. The patient may also experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity and double vision just after the surgery. The incisions will be red and visible at first, and your eyelids may be puffy and feel numb for several days. Swelling and bruising, similar to having "black eyes," will likely last a week or more. Ice packs or cold compresses applied to your eyes can help reduce swelling.

Pain is usually minimal. You may be given a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), for mild discomfort, but remember to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve), and any other medications or herbal supplements that may increase bleeding.

If stitches were used, they'll be removed after three or four days.

Take the following precautions for a week after the surgery, unless advised otherwise by your doctor:

  • Avoid straining, heavy lifting and swimming.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, such as aerobics and jogging.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect the skin of eyelids from sun and wind.
  • Sleep with your head raised higher than chest.
  • Follow the doctor's instructions regarding cleansing the eyelids and the use of eyedrops or ointments.
  • Seek medical attention immediately if experience shortness of breath, chest pains, an unusual heart rate, new pain, bleeding or visual disturbance.
What are the complications?
 
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Temporarily blurred or impaired vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Difficulty closing your eyes
  • Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur and is often temporary
  • Ectropion, rolling of the eyelid outwards
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Blood clots
  • Numbness and other changes in skin sensation
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin, or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Skin discoloration and swelling
  • Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Loss of eyesight
What is the long term outlook?
 

Scars from the incisions may take six months or longer to fade. Take care to protect your delicate eyelid skin from too much sun exposure during this time.

Many people express satisfaction with the results of blepharoplasty, such as a more rested and youthful appearance and more self-confidence. For some people, results of surgery may last a lifetime, but for others, eyelid drooping eventually may recur.

What are the expenses involved?
  The cost of the surgery may vary from one hospital to the other.
 
Author: Dr. Sanjay Dhawan
Last Updated on: 1 March, 2014
   

Complete Eye Care
Complete Eye Examination
Computer Vision Syndrome
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration (ARMD)
Retina Detachment