| UPPER AND
LOWER BLEPHAROPLASTY - EYELID SURGERY
 Surgery of the eyelids, blepharoplasty
upper and lower is designed to improve the overall appearance of the
upper and lower lids. Droopy eyelids can make patients look older and
tired and it is the goal of blepharoplasty to correct this while
maintaining good vision and ocular health. In upper eyelid surgery or
upper blepharoplasty the incision is made in a naturally occurring
skin crease approximately 1.0 cm above the lash line. Excess skin, fat
and muscle are removed while preserving normal eyelid function and the
incision is subsequently closed with fine sutures minimizing the
visibility of scarring. In lower eyelid surgery the incision may be
made in an inconspicuous site along the lash line or smile crease of
the lower lid and in a similar fashion excess fat, muscle and skin are
trimmed away before the incision is closed with fine sutures. In some
instances if eyelid puffiness is caused primarily by excess fat and
there is no need for skin resection this is treated by a
tranconjuctival approach in which the incision is made within the
lower eyelid.
There are a variety of technologies available to perform
blepharoplasty including scalpel incision, radiofrequency technology
and the CO2 laser. Radiofrequency technology and CO2 laser technology
provides for a dry bloodless field with decreased postoperative
bruising and an earlier return to function. However both techniques
can result in the skin incision taking longer to heal with a longer
period of maturation for the scar.
In many instances if there is considerable ptsosis or droop of the
upper brow or droop of the lower one third of the face, a coincidental
endoscopic forehead lift or endoscopic facelift may also be considered
to improve the overall facial appearance. As with all cosmetic procedures there is a limit to the amount of
skin and muscle that can be removed from the upper or lower lid in
order to maintain good function and prevent postoperative
complications. If you have significant pre-existing ophthalmologic
problems please let Dr. Keohane know and he will obtain appropriate
ophthalmologic consultation before considering elective cosmetic
blepharoplasty. Similarly if you do have problems with dry eyes or
wear contact lenses let him know as these issues need to be addressed
preoperatively.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
Immediately following surgery tiny bandages or steri-strips are
applied below the lids, a ointment will be prescribed to prevent
dryness of the eye and a certain degree of swelling and bruising is
normal and expected. Cold ice compresses as well as elevation of the
head will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Permanent sutures or
stitches will be removed approximately five to seven days following
surgery and most patients are able to resume normal activities in ten
to fourteen days. |
