Blepharoplasty is performed to reduce the wrinkling and/or bulging of eyelid tissue. Not all patients need to have both excess skin and excess fat (bags under the eyes) removed. In many cases only one or the other procedure is needed. Every wrinkle and fold of skin around the eyes cannot be removed.
Most recently, there have been innovations in eye surgery to preserve and redistribute fat around the eyes rather than just to remove it. This results in less of a hollow, “dome” appearance.
What to expect from the consultation
During this visit you should expect to sit at length with your doctor and discuss your goals for surgery. It is important to be informative about:
- Past surgeries
- Past and current medical conditions
- Any medications and vitamins you are currently taking
- Any and all supplements you are using
- Allergies to drugs, foods, dyes and rubber
How the surgery is performed
Usually surgery is performed under general anesthesia but it could also be done under local anesthesia with some sedation.
Upper eyelids
Usually the incision begins at the natural crease of the eye’s inside corner and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow’s feet or laugh lines. Excess fatty tissue and skin are removed and the site is closed in such a way so it is well-camouflaged when healed.
Lower eyelids
The incision is usually just below the lower lashes. Excess fatty tissue, skin and sometimes muscle are removed. Then the site is closed in such a way to be well-camouflaged when healed. When no skin removal is necessary and only fat removal is desired, the “transconjuctival blepharoplasty” technique is used. In this technique no external scars are present and the incision is made on the inside of the eye lid.
What to expect after the surgery
There is usually little pain associated with this type of surgery. Swelling, bruising and of the eyelids varies with each patient and is usually slight. Most of the swelling and bruising is gone within five to ten days, but it is not unusual for the discoloration to last longer. To help minimize some of the symptoms, sleep with your head elevated and in a reclined position. Do not lay flat. Cold compresses may be applied.
Resumption of physical activities
Work and social activities are usually curtailed for a period of three to ten days following surgery. Driving may be resumed in two to three days. Most people are back to desk work after a long weekend. Working out may be resumed after two to six weeks.
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Online research is no substitute
No amount of research is a substitute for a professional consultation with a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, not some other cosmetic association. Your physician must be board certified in order to become a member of this Society, the most elite organization of plastic surgeons in the world.
Talk to Dorine, our patient coordinator, to schedule your consultation. If you have a question for Doctor Ali, ask him now.
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Why choose Doctor Ali?
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Ali is a highly skilled specialist with extensive training.
Using his 4-part system, he has helped thousands of patients achieve a more satisfying profile and boost self-confidence.
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