What Is Blepharoplasty?
The eye region is the most important aesthetic area of the face. When eye contact is made, we immediately begin forming our first impressions. Judging someone to be tired, sad, angry, or pleasant is based on the area around the eyes. With aging, the upper eyelids may become droopy or heavy, giving patients a tired look that decreases the overall attractiveness of a person’s eyes. Typical aging changes include loss of elasticity and collagen in the skin and droopiness of the brow and eyelid region.
Cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty refers to a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper eyelid to decrease the heaviness and excess tissue. It is very important during the blepharoplasty procedure to focus on retaining the natural appearance of the eyelid.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is performed to reduce the bags and wrinkles of the lower eyelid. As with the upper eyelid, it is very important to focus on creating natural outcomes in the rejuvenation of the lower eyelid.
How Long Does a Blepharoplasty Usually Take to Perform?
An upper eyelid blepharoplasty typically takes about thirty minutes to perform. A bilateral cosmetic lower-lid blepharoplasty typically takes thirty to forty-five minutes to perform.
How Do You Perform a Blepharoplasty?
A blepharoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure. This can be performed at an outpatient surgical center or in the office setting. The procedure can be performed either with IV twilight anesthesia or with a local anesthetic. Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty are both performed as outpatient procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?
A good candidate for blepharoplasty is a patient who is concerned with the overall aging process in the upper eyelid and lower eyelid region. As we age, there is loss of the bony anatomy surrounding the eye region, as well as changes in the skin, including thinning of the skin and loss of collagen and elasticity in the skin. These all contribute to the overall aging changes in the eyelid region.
If desired, upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as the endoscopic brow lift, laser skin resurfacing, and facelift surgery. The goal of this procedure is to achieve a natural aesthetic rejuvenation of the region and a natural, more youthful appearance.
Realistic Expectations for a Patient Having Blepharoplasty
A patient should expect a rejuvenated, natural appearance. The upper crease of the upper eyelid will be evident (since sagging usually erases this crease). After the upper eyelid blepharoplasty, there should be a decrease in the amount of bagginess in the lower eyelid, and there should be an overall refreshed appearance in both the upper and lower eyelid region.
What Are the Common Reasons Why a Patient Would Want a Blepharoplasty?
A patient seeks an upper and/or lower eyelid blepharoplasty when they notice a tired or heavy appearance of their eyelids and are seeking a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance. Patients may not only have cosmetic concerns but may also notice functional issues – the heaviness of the upper eyelids can also obscure their peripheral vision.
How Long Does It Take for a Patient to Recover from a Blepharoplasty?
This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure. Ice packs are immediately applied to the upper and/or lower eyelids following a blepharoplasty to decrease the amount of bruising and swelling post-operatively.
It is also recommended that the patient stops all blood thinners seven to ten days before surgery, including non-steroidals and aspirin-containing products.
Patients are asked to start homeopathic treatments like Arnica Montana and Bromelain, as these products will also decrease the amount of swelling and bruising post-operatively. Patients are also encouraged to use OcuMend Arnica gel pads in the cheek region post-operatively to decrease the amount of bruising and swelling.
Most of the healing from the upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty occurs in the first seven to ten days following surgery. It is very important that the patients apply ice packs to both the upper and lower eyelids for the first forty-eight hours. It is also recommended that patients avoid any bending, lifting, or straining during the first week following surgery to decrease the amount of bruising and swelling.
Patients who follow the above treatment protocol heal very quickly following upper and/or lower eyelid blepharoplasty. They are very pleased with their aesthetic rejuvenation and the natural appearance of their upper and lower eyelids.
For more information on Tampa eyelid lifts, contact Dr. Mack’s office to schedule a consultation today.
Be sure and visit our Before & After gallery for this procedure.