Blepharoplasty(Eyelid Surgery; Repair of Droopy Eyelids)
by
Krisha McCoy, MS DefinitionBlepharoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the eye area.
Reasons for ProcedureBlepharoplasty can correct:
This procedure can also create upper eyelid folds. Possible ComplicationsComplications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have blepharoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureYour doctor will likely do the following:
Leading up to your procedure, your doctor may advise that you:
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure. AnesthesiaYou will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your eyes. Sedatives will be given to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia will be used. If so, you will be asleep. Description of the ProcedureIncisions will be made in your eyelids. In the upper eyelid, the incision is usually made in the crease. In the lower eyelid, the incision is usually made just below the lashes or on the inside of the eyelid. The excess fat will be removed. The excess skin and muscle will be trimmed. The incision will be closed with sutures. How Long Will It Take?60 minutes or more depending on the amount of skin and fat to be removed Will It Hurt?Anesthesia will minimize pain during the procedure. You may feel some tightness and soreness after the procedure. Post-procedure CareAt the Care CenterOintment will be applied. A bandage may be placed over your eyes. At HomeAfter about 6 months, your scars will likely fade to a nearly invisible white line. The results of a blepharoplasty are permanent. Extra surgery may be done as needed or desired. Sometimes, blepharoplasty is combined with another procedure called canthopexy. This is used to improve the shape and positioning of the lower eyelid. Blepharoplasty may also be done with ptosis repair. This is the repair of the upper eyelid muscle to correct drooping of the upper eyelid. Call Your DoctorIt is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery https://www.surgery.org US Food & Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons https://plasticsurgery.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:What is eyelid surgery? American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 1, 2019.
6/2/2011 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed...: Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Donald W. Buck II, MD Last Updated: 9/18/2020 | |
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