Eyelid lift
What is an eyelid lift?
Who is a good candidate?
Risks
Preparing for eyelid lift
Recovery
What is an eyelid lift?
Eyelid surgery -- also known as blepharoplasty
-- is one of the most common cosmetic surgery
procedures. This procedure removes drooping skin
from the upper lids and excess fat from the upper
and lower eyelids; it also decreases bagginess
or puffiness under the eyes. Plastic surgeons
hide the incisions in the folds of the upper lids
and just inside the lower lids, so that the scars
are nearly invisible.
While most people have surgery on both their
upper and lower lids, some have only one or the
other done. Very often, this surgery is performed
in conjunction with a facelift
or laser skin resurfacing.
After a short healing period of two to three weeks,
your eyes will look refreshed and brighter.
There are several eyelid lift techniques, and
your plastic surgeon will recommend the one he
or she thinks is best for you. Your surgeon's
skill and your heredity determine any surgery's
outcome, and your physician will choose the technique
with which he or she is most experienced.
Who is a good candidate?
Take a look at your eyes in the mirror. If
you notice any of the following, you could be
a candidate for an eyelid lift:
- a "tired" appearance
- puffiness or baggy skin around your eyes
- dark circles under your eyes
- excess skin on your upper lids that impairs
your vision
Because surgery doesn't eliminate dark circles
completely, your doctor may suggest some additional
techniques -- such as bleaching solution or a
chemical peel -- for even better results. Likewise,
if an eyelid lift doesn't completely remove crow's-feet
and wrinkled eyelids, you may want to consider
laser skin resurfacing or peeling.
Sometimes, people think their eyelids droop,
when the problem really is a sagging brow. If
this is your problem, your physician will recommend
a browlift.
Risks
Every type of surgery has risks,
but you can usually help prevent them by carefully
following your physician's instructions. It's
important to talk with your plastic surgeon before
surgery to be sure you understand the potential
risks and complications. If you don't understand
something, ask!
Potential complications of eyelid lift surgery
are usually rare and minor, including:
- blurred vision for several days
- slight asymmetry (imbalance)
An ectropion, which is when the lower lids pull,
is a more serious problem, but is also treatable.
Preparing for an eyelid
lift
You need to be in the best possible physical condition
for your surgery, so be sure to follow your plastic
surgeon's preparation instructions carefully.
If you smoke, you'll need to stop at least two
weeks before surgery. Follow your doctor's directions
on discontinuing any drugs or over-the-counter
medications, such as aspirin.
Unless you're having other surgery at the same
time, your eyelid lift will be done in an outpatient
setting. Because after surgery your vision may
be blurry and your eyelids may not function as
usual, you need to have someone take you home.
Recovery
For the first few nights after surgery, sleeping
with your head elevated will help reduce any swelling.
For the first 24 hours, cold compresses or cold
packs can also help reduce swelling and bruising.In
a week, however, you will be healed enough to
go out, perhaps with some camouflage
make-up.
For the first two weeks, restrict your physical
activity so that you don't increase the swelling.
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