Blepharoplasty- An Overview

Introduction:

Blepharoplasty is also known as eyelid surgery or eye lift. It can be performed on the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure treats any vision problems and improves the appearance of areas around the eyes. Thus, it helps improve the eyes' aesthetic appearance and functional efficiency.

Why Is Blepharoplasty Done?

Blepharoplasty is done to treat:

• Fat deposits in the eyelids.

• Bags under the eyes.

• Drooping lower eyelids.

• Sagging skin of the upper eyelids impairs vision.

• Wrinkles on the lower eyelids.

• Excess skin in the eyelids.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

The surgery can be performed on the following candidates:

• Individuals in good health.

• Individuals with no serious eye conditions.

• Non-smokers.

Who Is Not Eligible for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is not performed in certain conditions, such as:

• Pregnancy.

• Lactating mother.

• Diabetes.

• Thyroid disorder.

• Immune system disorder.

How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?

The surgery has the following steps.

• Anesthesia: There are options for anesthesia, such as local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia.

• Incision: The incisions are placed in such a way that they do not result in scars and are concealed with the natural crease of the eyelids. Then, the removal of excess tissue, repositioning of the fatty tissues, or tightening of the muscles is done. The surgeon can also use a chemical peel or laser to reduce pigmentation on the eyelids.

• Closing the Incision: Sutures are placed to close the incisions, which are removed after one week. Skin glue is also used to approximate the incised skin together.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Surgery?

It usually takes two weeks to recover from the procedure, but the recovery period may change from person to person. For some individuals, it may take three to four weeks to heal. During recovery, individuals can use cold compresses and medications.

What Are the Results After Blepharoplasty?

The swelling and bruise after the procedure will resolve within two weeks, whereas the scar due to the incision line may take months to fade. The results are satisfactory in most cases, with realistic expectations. Upper eyelid surgery would stay for around five to eight years, whereas lower eyelid surgery does not stay too long. They may recur, so another surgery would be required to correct them.

The blepharoplasty procedure is usually combined with other surgical procedures. In some individuals with sagging eyelids, an eye lift is accompanied by a brow lift procedure. For cosmetic concerns, a complete facelift is also performed. Discussing the procedure with the ophthalmologist can give you an idea. If the results are not satisfactory, follow-up surgeries are recommended.

How Is the Individual Prepared Before the Surgery?

• Medical Assessment: The individual's complete medical history will be recorded to determine eligibility for the procedure. Then, the medications taken will also be assessed to determine whether they can be continued or stopped.

• Habit Assessment: The habit of smoking and alcohol will be asked about.

• Physical Examination: The eyelids are physically examined for measuring the eyelids, and tear production is also tested.

• Vision Examination: The problems in vision are also tested.

• Photographic Examination: The eyes will be viewed from different angles to plan the treatment and to differentiate the changes noted after the surgery.

What Are the Pre-operative and Post-operative Guidelines to Be Followed?

Pre-operative Guidelines:

• Avoid smoking and drinking at least four weeks before surgery.

• Stop taking medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and herbal supplements two weeks before and after the surgery.

• To subside pain, one can use Acetaminophen.

Post-operative Guidelines:

• Avoid rubbing the eyes for two weeks after surgery.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses for two weeks after surgery.

• Cold compress frequently to reduce swelling.

• Avoid washing your face for three days after surgery.

• Use eye drops and ointment to clean the eyelids.

• Avoid swimming, yoga, exercises, weight lifting, and aerobics for a few weeks.

• Avoid using makeup for four weeks after surgery.

• Do not use contact lenses for three weeks after surgery.

• Avoid hot showers for a few days.

• Sleep with the head raised above the chest for a few days.

What Arrangements Are to Be Made at Home When One Returns After the Surgery?

Check whether one has a person to accompany after the surgery. Ensure not to work as usual for a few days after the surgery. So make arrangements accordingly. As recovery time differs from patient to patient, one should be ready to face the post-operative symptoms. Most individuals experience dry eyes, so it is good to have ice cubes, gauze pads, and artificial tears. One can use artificial tears only if the doctor recommends it.

What Are the Side Effects of Blepharoplasty?

Some of the temporary side effects faced by individuals after eyelid surgery are-

• Dry eyes.

• Swelling around the eyelids.

• Bruising in the eyes gives a black eye appearance.

• Infection.

• Inflammation.

• Numbness.

• Blurry vision for a few days.

• Watering eyes.

• Difficulty in closing eyes.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Skin discoloration.

• Scarring.

They can lead to serious side effects such as,

• Bleeding from the incision lines.

• Ectropion (outward rolling of the lower eyelid).

• Lid lag (pulling down of the lower eyelid).

• Permanent change in vision.

• Blindness in rare cases.

• Double vision.

What Is the Ideal Age Range for Blepharoplasty?

Individuals above 18 years of age can get the eyelid surgery. However, the best age is to get the surgery done after 30 years and above.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Though some of the side effects resolve after a few days or weeks, there are conditions for which medical attention is required. They are:

• Shortness of breath.

• Excessive bleeding from the incised site.

• Chest pain.

• Unusual heart rate.

• Severe eye pain.

• Vision problems.

Conclusion:

Sagging bags around the eyes can affect one aesthetically and impair vision. To improve the conditions, eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can be done. First, one must know whether one is eligible for the procedure and then decide to go for it. Before opting for it, one must learn about the benefits and risks of the procedure and have realistic expectations of it.