One of the most popular forms of Cosmetic Surgery, Blepharoplasty (also called Eyelift, or Eyelid Surgery) is a relatively simple procedure. Taken from the root words blephar (eye lid) and plasty (forming), it is a method of removing excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids, or both. Its purpose is to reduce drooping eye lids and improve appearance. It is often chosen by middle-aged patients who wish to retain a youthful look, as skin around the eyes, like everywhere else, naturally loses elasticity with age.
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How is it Done?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgery that takes roughly two hours to perform, excluding preparation time. Prior to the procedure, the patient is screened to assure that they are in overall good health. They will also be given an eye examination and asked to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery. Detailed pictures of the eye area will be taken as a guide for the physician. On the day of the surgery, mild sedation and a local anesthesia are given, after which the surgeon will make a small incision around the upper and/or lower eyelids (the upper lids are usually done first). Excess skin and fat, which causes skin to sag, will be delicately removed. Stitches are sometimes used to facilitate healing. The patient goes home as soon as the sedation wears off.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Recovery from a blepharoplasty is usually quick and easy. Patients may be advised to limit their activity for a certain amount of time, merely as a precaution, and to use certain eye drops or other home treatments to speed healing. Minor pain is treated with certain over-the-counter medications, such as Acetaminophen, but it is rarely necessary after the first day or so. Sometimes blepharoplasty is performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures—some of which may be more extensive, such as a face-lift—so post-op instructions may differ from patient to patient.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Although most blepharoplasty candidates are over 35, there is no age requirement; some patients may decide it have it earlier in their lives than others do. In severe cases of eyelid sagging, which can actually impair vision, the surgery is needed for more than cosmetic purposes. In each case, a skilled surgeon can take years off the face with little inconvenience and minimal risk.
New City Med Plaza is a world-class professional facility with superior care, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative patient services. We encourage you to talk to one of the plastic surgeons found in our directory in order to determine if you are a good candidate for blepharoplasty.
