BLEPHAROPLASTY (Eyelid Surgery)
It is often said that the "eye" is the window to the soul. Sometimes, people's eyes seem to age faster than the rest of their face. Sags, bags and droops around the eyes may make a person look tired or worn down in a dramatic fashion. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid rejuvenation, may be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures to achieve rejuvenation of the periocular region.
UPPER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY
As one ages, the skin in the upper eyelids becomes redundant and hangs down. This may be so severe as to limit vision. Through upper lid blepharoplasty, the excess skin, muscle and fat is removed and contoured creating a natural rejuvenated, sculpted upper eyelid. This may be done with local anesthetic and bruising is minimal. One may return to work in five to seven days. The sutures are hidden in the natural fold of the eye and are removed in five days. It may, however, take several weeks to realize the final results as the swelling from surgery continues to decrease.
At times, the problem is not really with the upper eyelids but rather with the eyebrows. As the face ages, the brows tend to droop causing heaviness to the upper eyelid area. If the problem lies in the brow instead of the eyelid, a better repair is through an endoscopic brow-lift. With the endoscopic brow-lift, small incisions are made behind the hairline and the tissues of the scalp and forehead are lifted using special operating telescopes. The tissues of the brow are re-suspended upwards resulting in rejuvenation of the upper eyelid, a decrease in crow's feet formation and a more awake, refreshed appearance. Further benefits of endoscopic brow-lift include a dramatic reduction in forehead wrinkles due to weakening and relaxation of the muscles of the forehead. Many people need both endoscopic brow-lift and blephroplasty for optimal rejuvenation.
Upper lid blepharoplasty and/or brow-lift may be simulated on our computer allowing you to help decide which procedure will be best for you.
LOWER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY
Several things happen to the lower eyelid as aging occurs. The eye and the muscles of the eye are surrounded by a unique type of fat. As we get older, the membrane that holds that fat into the orbit weakens, causing bulges or bags to form underneath the eyes. Some families are genetically predisposed for this problem. In addition, the skin wrinkles and sags. At times, the muscles of the eye cause what is called "festooning" or multiple bags under the eyes. Lower lid blepharoplasty may help reduce each of these problems.
For the patient with minimal wrinkles but significant fat in the lower eyelids, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be performed. With this procedure, no external incisions are made; instead, the fat is removed through a small incision inside the lower eyelid. This results in a quicker recovery and no external scar formation. The transconjunctival blepharoplasty is often combined with laser resurfacing to tighten up the skin of the lower eyelid.
For the patient with excess skin or redundancy in the muscles surrounding the eye, a better alternative is the transcutaneous blepharoplasty. With this approach, a small incision is made just below the eyelashes trailing out into one of the crow's feet. Through this incision, a dramatic tightening of the lower eyelid skin and muscle may be obtained. Healing is rapid and sutures are removed in five days. At times, there is bruising which may last from seven to ten days. Redness in the lateral portion of the incision may last for several weeks but may be covered up with make-up after seven days.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Once you decide to proceed with rejuvenation of the eyes, you will be given a detailed explanation as to what to do to prepare for surgery. In order to minimize bruising and swelling, we ask that you avoid any aspirin or aspirin-containing products as well as any non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or naproxen (including motrin, Aleve, and Advil) for at least two weeks before surgery. It is fine to go ahead and take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) before surgery. In addition, we ask you to avoid taking vitamin E supplements as this may also result in more bruising.
We have found using a vitamin K cream and using a homeopathic herb called "Arnica Montana" tends to reduce bruising. We have both of these available in our clinic and will be happy to discuss this with you further. It is important to be well rested for surgery, and if you are anxious, a mild sedative may be given for the night before surgery. Surgery may be done with a local anesthetic, but at times intravenous sedation will be desired as well. If you are undergoing sedation, it is important to avoid anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. If you have high blood pressure or take other medications, these medications may be taken with a sip of water the morning of surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to call our staff for details.
FOLLOWING SURGERY
It is important to rest and minimize activity for the days immediately following surgery. Ice packs may help reduce bruising and swelling and should be used for the first 24-48 hours. A bag of frozen peas is often the best way to apply cooling to the eyelids. You may be given antibiotic ointment to use on the incision or occasionally in the eye. You may also be given lubricating ointment to use at night or lubricating eye drops to be used during the day. Pain is usually mild and controlled with Tylenol. If necessary, a stronger pain reliever may be given.
Any unusual pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or vision problems should be reported to the office at once. You will return for suture removal in approximately five days and make-up may be applied in seven days. It may take several weeks until the final results of the surgery are apparent and it is important to be patient during this healing period as swelling may take differing amounts of time to resolve with different people.
5821 Farrington Road
Suite 101
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Tel: 919-403-6200
Fax: 919-403-6242
info@aesthetic-solutions.com