BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty eliminates excess skin and fat around the eyes, reducing signs of aging and stress. Although it is one of the lesser famous procedures here in the Philippines, its aftereffects are just as significant as all the other more well-known cosmetic surgery methods.

Description:

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is collectively one of two kinds of procedures aimed to correct either upper or lower eyelid deformities that may be caused by stress, aging, and a number of other factors.

The procedure involves removing any excess fat, skin or muscle from the upper or lower eyelid, while in the process possibly eliminating fine lines within the area, for a more rejuvenated appearance. For East Asian blepharoplasty procedures, a common type involves adding a creased eyelid (“double eyelid”), to the single-eyelid look (“slit eye”) common to East Asians.

Recovery time for a blepharoplasty patient could take several weeks.

Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

This procedure is recommended for women who have developed deformed eyelids due to sagging skin, or extra muscle or fat.

Like any aesthetic procedure, it is imperative that blepharoplasty patients have good physical and mental health, and understand both the procedure’s benefits, and limitations: while the procedure can cure puffy-looking eyes, thereby helping one look younger, it can only go so far as erasing fine lines; it cannot eliminate eye wrinkles, crow’s feet, or dark circles around the eyes.

What are the different types of blepharoplasty?

There are two types of blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery:

The first is called transconjunctival blepharoplasty, a procedure that involves the removal of excess fat (not skin) located just underneath the eye. This procedure is most beneficial to those who may be looking to repair visible, aesthetically unappealing eye bags.

The second type is called transcutaneous blepharoplasty, which involves the removal of excess skin and the repositioning of the fat found on the lower eyelid (done via incision). This is usually a procedure that corrects any sagging skin that impairs vision and makes for droopy-looking eyes.

What happens during a blepharoplasty procedure?

A transconjunctival blepharoplasty involves the surgeon making a small incision just on the inside of the lower eyelid. Upon doing so, the fat is repositioned to a location closer to the eye socket, eliminating eyebags.

In a transcutaneous blepharoplasty, the incision is made just beneath the eyelashes (hiding any possible scarring). Afterwards, the surgeon proceeds to tighten any excess skin and muscle within the area, eliminating the “sagging” look and giving the patient a more vibrant appearance.

Are there any side effects that I should know about?

Like any other kind of surgery, blepharoplasty will definitely involve a few side effects. These, however, are to be expected (unless otherwise stated by the surgeon), and can be expected to subside over time.

Some of the most common side effects of blepharoplasty include:

1. Swelling

Swelling is one of the most common side effects that follow almost any type of surgery. The degree of swelling (which will mostly be located around the incision) will depend on the kind of procedure that was done, and to some extent, the individual capacity of the patient for recovery.

Any discomfort from the side effect may be alleviated to a certain degree by applying cold compress on the eyes. One must take care, however, as not to damage or rupture the still-sensitive incision.

2. Blurred Vision

The patient may experience a slightly blurry vision a few days after the procedure. This, however, is another common side effect that is caused by the inevitable swelling.

3. Scarring

The one inevitable side effect of any surgery, expect the blepharoplasty incisions to show some scarring especially during the days immediately after the surgery. The kind of scarring that may occur would depend on how well the surgeon was able to conceal it. The patient may expect the scars to fade over time, and become virtually invisible (depending on the surgeon’s skill in placing the incision).

4. Pain

Post-operation pain is another inevitable but manageable side effect. After surgery, the patient’s eyelids may feel a bit sore and tight.

Any discomfort can be moderately alleviated through medication prescribed by the surgeon.

It is crucial for an individual seeking to undergo this procedure to opt for a board-certified surgeon in order to ensure optimum results and complete safety in the hands of accredited professionals.

What would I have to do to prepare for the procedure?

Instructions on what to do in preparation for the surgery will be given by the doctor. This would involve advice on diet, activities, and vitamin intake.

For smokers, however, one step to take is to stop smoking during the weeks prior to, and after the surgery, as smokers tend to have a slower recovery time compared to non-smokers. The patient must also refrain from drinking any alcohol.

Those taking Vitamin E will be prescribed to stop taking them on the weeks leading up to the operation. The same goes with aspirin and ibuprofen, both of which are believed to lead to prolonged post-surgical bleeding.

During the days before the procedure, one must stock up on certain items that may help in the recovery process. These items include washcloths, sterilized gauze pads, ice cubes, and plastic bags as ice cube containers.

On the day of the procedure, the patient must remember to take off any cosmetics. The same would go for contact lenses, false eyelashes, and other accessories.

Another thing to consider is the fact that after the surgery, going about daily activities would require some assistance. Find someone who will be able to assist you as you go about your day.

It is also important to have someone drive you home from the hospital after the surgery.