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Blepharoplasty
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Eyes are a prominent facial feature. It is the surrounding skin, rather than the eyes themselves, that conveys emotion. Age, sun exposure and hereditary factors all contribute to wrinkles, deep lines and puffiness around the eyes. The aging process can cause unwanted changes in expression, causing us to look permanently fatigued and older than we really are. In some cases, redundant upper lid skin can even contribute to visual impairment. An upper or lower eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, can restore a more youthful appearance to your eyes. Dr. Wigod can help you decide which of the several operation types is right for you.
In traditional upper lid blepharoplasty, an incision is made in the crease of the upper lid and excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. Once healed, the incision is hidden when the eye is open and often barely noticeable when the eye is closed. In traditional lower lid blepharoplasty, an incision is made along the lash line and excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. Once healed, the incision is usually hidden by the lashes. When performing the operation, care must be taken to remove just the right amount of tissue to give the best aesthetic result while avoiding complications.
Sometimes, an alternative technique would give the patient the best result. Dr. Wigod’s training is up to date so he can offer these approaches if necessary. The Transconjunctival approach is a newer technique for lower lid blepharoplasty in which an incision is made inside the lower lid. Fat can be removed or redistributed through this incision, but excess skin cannot be eliminated. Often, periorbital laser resurfacing is combined with this procedure to help tighten excess or wrinkled skin. Another recent innovation is the canthopexy or canthoplasty. These techniques are indicated when the lower lid has poor tone and extra support is required to avoid unattractive and potentially dangerous lid retraction after a traditional lower lid blepharoplasty.
The Procedure
Blepharoplasty may be performed alone or in combination with other operations. Local anesthetic with IV sedation or general anesthetic may be used, depending upon your preference. The operation may take from 1-2 hours and you will be able to return home the same day. Complications are not common, but may occur. The most concerning ones include prolonged swelling, infection, asymmetry, double vision, dry eyes, upper lid drooping, lower lid retraction, and vision loss.
Post-Operative Information
The area surrounding the eyes will remain swollen in the days following the surgery, but should improve rapidly. Some vision blurring and mild pain are normal.
Sutures will be removed in 5-7 days. Swelling and bruising will persist for about 10 days, but makeup can help conceal this. You may expect to resume normal activity rapidly and start enjoying your new look within approximately 10-14 days. It may take up to 6 months for the scars to lose their redness.
Wrinkling will recur later in life, but it is unlikely that the “bags” will recur because the fat has been removed. Deeper wrinkles around the outer eye and extending onto the temple are not treated by the eyelid lift. These areas may be improved with laser resurfacing.
