Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.
What upper eyelid surgery can treat?
The Upper eyelid surgery can remove loose or sagging skin from the upper eyelids, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed look.
The upper eyelid surgery can also remove fatty deposits or muscles that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids.
The degree of upper eyelid drooping may be severe enough to obstruct a portion of your visual field. This becomes an issue that is medically necessary to treat.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in upper blepharoplasty is crucial to ensure a safe and successful outcome. Consultation with the surgeon will help determine the appropriate surgical plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Surgical technique for upper eyelid surgery
The surgical technique for upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, involves several steps to address various aesthetic concerns related to the upper eyelids. Here is an overview of the surgical technique for upper eyelid surgery
Anesthesia:
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on the patient’s preference and the surgeon’s recommendation. This ensures that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the surgery.
Incision placement:
The surgeon begins by carefully planning and marking the incision lines on the upper eyelids. These incisions are strategically placed within the eyelids’ natural creases, which helps hide any resulting scars.
Incision Creation: Using a scalpel or a laser, the surgeon makes precise incisions along the previously marked lines. The length and shape of the incisions will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the extent of correction required.
After creating the incisions, the surgeon gains access to the underlying tissues of the upper eyelids. This includes the skin, muscle, and fat.
Tissue Adjustment or Removal:
Depending on the patient’s particular concerns, the surgeon may perform various adjustments, which may include:
• Excess Skin Removal: If there is excess, sagging skin, the surgeon carefully removes it to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
• Muscle and Tissue Repositioning: In some cases, the underlying muscle and tissue may be repositioned to improve the eyelid’s contour and function.
• Fat Adjustment: If fatty deposits contribute to puffiness or a heavy appearance, the surgeon may remove or redistribute the fat to achieve the desired outcome.
Closure:
The surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures once the necessary adjustments have been made. These sutures are typically placed within the layers of tissue to minimize scarring and promote proper healing.
Recovery:
Recovery from upper eyelid surgery involves some swelling and bruising, which is expected. Patients should follow the provided post-operative care instructions, which include applying cold compresses, taking prescribed medications, cleaning the stitches with normal saline or mild antiseptic solution, and avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period.
Over time, as swelling subsides and the incisions heal, patients will notice a significant improvement in the appearance of their upper eyelids. The final results become more apparent as the healing progresses, typically within several weeks to a few months.
Possible Risks with Blepharoplasty Surgery:
Asymmetry changes – a slight imbalance of one eye with the other may occur during the healing or scarring process.
Eye closure problems – Some patients may temporarily have difficulty closing their eyes when they sleep for several weeks.