|
THE EYES ARE OUR MOST INTRIGUING AND REVEALING FACIAL FEATURE.
They draw attention and convey expression. Through them we not only see others
but others see us as well. If you are bothered by upper eyelids with excess,
drooping skin that makes you appear sad or angry, or by eyes that look tired due
to puffiness or bags, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you. In general,
eyelid surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that contribute to
puffiness and bags in both the upper and lower eyelids, revealing a more
youthful and energetic appearance.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, technically called blepharoplasty, is a
surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids
or both. Specifically eyelids surgery can treat:
-
Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or hides the
natural contour of the upper eyelid
-
Excess skin that hangs down from the upper eyelid, sometimes
impairing vision
-
Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper
eyelids
-
Bags under the eyes
-
Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the
iris
-
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid
 These conditions typically appear as part of the natural aging
process, or due to heredity. When they are a result of heredity, individuals as
young as their 20s and 30s may achieve a marked improvement in the appearance of
their eyes through eyelid surgery.
Most commonly eyelid surgery is performed on adult men and women
who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and have realistic goals for improvement
of the upper and/lower eyelids and surrounding area. Good candidates are:
-
Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening
illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
-
Non smokers
-
Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in
mind for improvement through eyelid surgery
Like any cosmetic procedure, eyelid surgery requires an
individualized approach. Dr. Graham will evaluate patient anatomy, the condition
you wish to have corrected, what is causing the condition and your realistic
goals for improvement. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in the
upper and lower eyelids and surrounding regions. This degree of correction of
drooping eyelids, puffiness or bags can only be achieved surgically, by
repositioning muscle, redistributing fat that has settled into contours and when
necessary by removing excess skin.
Skin resurfacing techniques may be recommended to further
improve the tone and surface appearance of skin surrounding the eye, and in some
cases as a substitute for excision of minimal excess lower eyelid skin. Where a
low positioned brow or crow's feet at the outer corner of the eyes contribute to
the aging appearance of the eyes, a brow lift may be more appropriate than, or
recommended in conjunction with eyelid surgery. In addition, a brow lift can
also smooth a lined or furrowed forehead.
Progress and Healing
Initial healing may include some swelling,
bruising, irritation or dry eye and discomfort that can be controlled with
medication, cold compress and ointment. Irritation at the incision sites is also
possible. These are all common conditions.
Dr. Graham will instruct you to keep your
head elevated at all times until initial swelling has subsided and to wear
sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light, sun and wind. A return to
light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a
few days of surgery.
Healing of incisions may take 5 to 10 days
at which time any sutures will be removed, if necessary. You will be ready to
return to normal work and activity at this time, and able to resume wearing
contact lens. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate
and incision lines improve. Diligent sun protection and consistent use of darkly
tinted sunglasses is essential.
|
