A Closer Look at Eye Lid Surgery

Eye lid surgery is a type of plastic surgery which aims to correct sagging upper eye lids and remove fatty deposits beneath lower lids. The technical name for it is Blepharoplasty, and it may be performed alone or with other types of facial surgery such as facelifts or browlifts. It is often undertaken to give individuals a more youthful appearance, but it may also correct vision problems associated with drooping eye lids.

The Procedure

Eye lid surgery is most often done on an outpatient basis. It may be performed in a private facility or at a hospital. It usually involves local anesthesia in conjunction with sedatives, although general anesthesia may be utilized. The length of the surgery varies from 1 to several hours depending on the extent of the procedures.

In the case of upper eye lid surgery, incisions are made along natural crease lines. For lower lids, incisions are made just below the lashes. The skin is separated from fatty tissue and muscle via these incisions, and excess fatty deposits are removed. Drooping skin and muscle tissue may be trimmed away, as well. The incisions are stitched up with extremely fine sutures that are removed a few days after surgery.

Recovery

Recovery from eye lid surgery generally takes a few weeks. Many individuals return to work or normal activity within 10 days, although it may be several months before all signs of scarring disappear.

Pain medication can help eliminate soreness following surgery. It is important to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and keep your head elevated for several days after surgery. Bruising will likely occur during the first week after the procedure, and diminishes over the course of several weeks. Eyes must be cleaned frequently to prevent infection, and eyedrops are typically prescribed.

Plenty of rest and relaxation are in order to aid recovery. Reading or watching television should be avoided for the first few days. Contact lenses cannot be worn for several weeks. Temporary vision distortions, light sensitivity and excessive tearing may be experienced for several days to weeks after surgery. This is considered normal, and only in cases of extreme pain or discomfort is medical attention necessary.

Complications and Risks

No surgery is risk free. There is always the chance that complications may arise. Reactions to anesthesia and infection are always a possibility. Although blepharoplasty is considered minor, very safe surgery, your should consider the possibility of complications. These include temporary vision impairments, difficulty with scar healing, and in rare instances the need for additional surgery due to lower eye lid sagging.

A consideration of your complete medical history will be necessary during a review of your eligibility for blepharoplasty. Thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and certain other conditions may increase the risks associated with eye lid surgery.

The Decision

It is up to individuals to decide whether or not to pursue surgical correction of cosmetic conditions. In some cases, men and women find the appearance of drooping eyelids and lower eye bags so unsightly, they feel surgery is their only hope for regaining a normal appearance. In other instances individuals simply desire a more youthful appearance and believe the inconvenience, cost and minor risks of eye lid surgery are far outweighed by the benefits.

A practical approach to your individual decision about blepharoplasty should be made in consultation with your doctor and a qualified surgeon. Examine your motives for undergoing surgery carefully, and discuss your expectations in detail beforehand. Only then can you weigh the decision appropriately with an eye to practicality.