What is Eyelid surgery?
Blepharoplasty Dubai | 1 August 2019
Eyelid surgery, sometimes known as an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, is a common surgical procedure that is used to alter the shape and appearance of the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both eyelids. Blepharoplasty is typically performed by removing any excess skin and tissue from the eyelid area. Additionally, the underlying eyelid muscles are adjusted and smoothened and support is created for the surrounding eyelid tissue in order to improve the ‘droopiness’ of eyelids and to eliminate the ‘puffiness’ of eyebags.
What causes eyelid problems?
As we get older, we start to lose elasticity in our skin as a natural part of the aging process. Because the face and the facial skin are often more exposed to environmental factors (such as sun, wind, pollution, etc.) than other parts of the body, it is often the first part of the body to show visible signs of aging and a loss of this elasticity. The skin around the eye is very thin and delicate, and it is one of the places where aging skin will be most visible on the human body. As the skin around the eye loses elasticity, it will begin to stretch, and gravity will cause the stretched skin to pool above and below the eyes. On the top eyelid, this creates the appearance of ‘hooded’ or droopy eyelids. If the top eyelid sags too much, it can start to impede a person’s field of vision. On the bottom eyelid, the effect is slightly different. There are small fat deposits located under each of our eyes that helps to cushion the eye socket. When the lower eyelid skin begins to lose elasticity, this area will become more exposed and a bulge can appear under the eye. This is commonly referred to as ‘undereye bags’.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a relatively uncomplicated outpatient surgery procedure. It is suitable for someone who is generally considered to be in good health. Both men and women can have the surgery, and it is suitable for people from any ethnic background. Blepharoplasty is usually recommended for people over the age of 35, as this is when the appearance of the eyelid will start to show signs of aging. In certain cases where a person may have a family history of droopy eyelids and severe bags, the surgery may be performed on someone younger.
Before you undertake the procedure, your surgeon will physically examine the structure of your eyes and face and provide recommendations so that you will have a good understanding of what to expect from the surgery. You should carefully consider any advice you receive from the surgeon to ensure the surgery is the right choice for you. If you have certain medical conditions, particularly eye conditions, you may not be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. Dry eyes, glaucoma, and other eye conditions may have an impact on the outcome of your eyelid surgery. You should inform your surgeon of any eye or general health conditions that you have. The surgeon will discuss these issues with you and ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
What can I expect from the surgery?
Eyelid surgery is a relatively short, uncomplicated procedure that is normally performed as a outpatient surgery. In a typical eyelid surgery procedure, local anaesthetic will be applied to the eyelid and the surgeon will make several small, discreet incisions along the eyelids. Special care will be taken by your surgeon to ensure there will be minimal bleeding or scarring. The incisions will normally be hidden in the natural eyelid folds. In an upper eyelid procedure (upper blepharoplasty), incisions will be made in the upper eyelid crease. In a lower eyelid surgery, the incision will be made just underneath the lash line of the lower eyelid. In some instances where no skin needs to be removed, the surgeon may be able to perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure, an incision is made from the inner side of the lower eyelid directly, and as a result there is no visible scarring. Once the incisions are made, any excess of tissue (skin and/or fat) will be removed and the incision will be sealed with small sutures. The whole procedure will typically take between one to three hours. The specifics of your eyelid surgery procedure will vary depending on the nature and severity of the eyelid issue that is being addressed and whether the surgery will be on your upper, lower, or both eyelids. Your surgeon will outline and explain all of the details of your particular procedure before the operation to make sure that you are prepared.
What can I expect after surgery?
Following surgery, you should arrange for someone to rive you home. As with any procedure that affects your vision, it is important that you allow sufficient time for recovery before you drive or undertake any activity that requires uncompromised vision. As part of your recovery, you will need to ensure that you rest, elevate your head, and apply ice to the eye area to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. Individual patients will experience pain differently, but the procedure should only cause mild pain. Regular, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol, should be taken as needed. The recovery time from an upper eyelift can vary for individual patients, but the skin of the upper eyelid tends to heal quickly. Most patients find that they are able to return to normal activities within three to four days. Some patients may develop dry eyes for one to two weeks. If the dry eye symptoms persist for a longer period of time, you should discuss this with your surgeon.