Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery to correct droopy eyelids. Our eyelids stretch with age and the muscles supporting them weaken. As a result, excess fat may form above and below the eyelids, causing sagging of the eyebrows, droopy upper lids and formation of bags under the eyes. Cosmetically, such conditions may take way the overall attractiveness of your eyes and face and cause a jaded or older appearance.

Apart from making you look older, severely sagging skin around the eyes can impair your side vision, particularly the upper and outer parts of your field of vision. While there are several topical and non-invasive procedures available to get rid of eye bags, puffiness and dark circles, cosmetic blepharoplasty is the most effective one.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty involves correction of deformities or modifying the eyelid area for improving aesthetic appearance and eyelid function. With help of blepharoplasty one can do away with these vision problems and make your eyes appear younger and charming. Blepharoplasty can be classified into two types, upper lid blepharoplasty and lower lid blepharoplasty.

Upper lid blepharoplasty is also called “eye-lift”, done for both functional and cosmetic reasons, whereas lower lid blepharoplasty is generally undertaken for cosmetic reasons. To help decide if blepharoplasty is beneficial for you, find out with your doctor what you can realistically expect from blepharoplasty.

Why blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty can be considered if droopy or sagging eyelids prevent your eyes from opening completely or pull down your lower eyelids. Getting rid of the excess tissue from your upper eyelids can improve the vision. Upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can enhance the overall beauty of the eye.

You might consider blepharoplasty if you have:
• Baggy or droopy upper eyelids
• Excess skin of the upper eyelids that interferes with your peripheral vision
• Excess skin on the lower eyelids
• Bags under your eyes

One of the advantages of blepharoplasty is that you can undergo blepharoplasty at the same time as another procedure, such as a brow lift, face-lift or skin resurfacing. Cosmetic blepharoplasty not only just works with the skin, but also modifies the fat tissue and muscles around the eyes. Both cosmetic and functional benefits can be achieved from blepharoplasty if performed under the care of a trained oculoplastic surgeon (plastic surgeon who specializes in eye surgeries).

Preparation for the surgery

Before fixing blepharoplasty you will have an appointment with a plastic surgeon and an eye specialist or an oculoplastic surgeon. During the consultation you will be asked about previous surgeries and past or current conditions, such as dry eyes, glaucoma, allergies, circulatory problems, thyroid problems and diabetes.

A frank discussion regarding your expectations for surgery will help lay the foundation for a satisfactory outcome. Your surgeon will apprise you as to what you can expect after the procedure.

Before the surgery a thorough physical examination will be conducted which may include testing your tear production and measuring parts of your eyelids. The ophthalmologist will examine your eyes and test your vision, especially peripheral vision. Photographs of your eyes from different angles will also be taken. These photographs are needed to plan the surgery in a foolproof way and to assess the short-term and long-term effects of the eye after the surgery.

Procedure

If you are going to have upper and lower lid surgeries, upper lids are operated first. The surgeon will make a cut along the fold of the eyelid, removes some excess skin, muscle and possibly fat, and closes the cut.

As for the lower lid, a cut is made just below the lashes in your eye’s natural crease or inside the lower lid. Excess fat, muscles and sagging skin are redistributed and cut is closed. The cosmetic improvement also reduces the eyelid puffiness thus restoring a youthful look.

After the procedure you will be kept in the recovery room under observation. If no complications noted, you will be discharged to home to recuperate. After the procedure you may.

Temporarily experience:

• Blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to your eyes
• Watering eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Double vision
• Puffy, numb eyelids
• Swelling and bruising similar to having black eyes
• Pain or discomfort

Result

People generally express great satisfaction after blepharoplasty, such as youthful appearance and increased self-confidence. Due to the highly specialized nature of this procedure it is important to get it done only by a trained cosmetic surgeon. More and more people in India are now opting for cosmetic blepharoplasty with the availability of specialized oculoplastic surgeons. A blepharoplasty can make a world of difference to your overall appearance