Understanding Blepharoplasty
Every year, one hundred thousand men and women choose blepharoplasty to improve the way they look. Droopy eyelids can make you look older and can also impair vision. Blepharoplasty corrects these problems and also removes puffiness and bags under the eyes that make you look worn and tired. This procedure cannot alter dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, nor can it change sagging eyebrows. Though blepharoplasty is often performed as a single procedure, Dr. Farrior may also recommend a browlift, facelift, or skin resurfacing to achieve the best results.
If you are wondering how blepharoplasty can change the way you took, you
need to know how eyelid surgery is performed and what you can expect from
this procedure. This pamphlet can address many common questions and provide
you with the information to begin considering blepharoplasty.
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Dr. Farrior can answer specific questions about your specific needs.
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a refreshed appearance, with a younger, firmer eye area.
People with circulatory, ophthalmological, or serious medical conditions
must rely on the diagnostic skills of their own personal specialists to
determine whether blepharoplasty is an option to consider. Consultation
with Dr. Farrior can help you decide whether any additional, complementary
surgery would increase the success of the surgery. Dr. Farrior might recommend
planning a simultaneous forehead lift to correct a drooping brow and smooth
the forehead, or skin resurfacing to remove the fine line wrinkling in
the eye area.
Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. The patient must also make the commitment to follow the pre-surgical and post-operative instructions of Dr. Farrior.
During the pre-surgical consultation, you will be examined or asked to
answer queries concerning vision, tear production, use of lenses, and
your desires for surgery. Dr. Farrior will explain what you can expect
from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history. Factors to be
weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of vision
obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between
you and Dr. Farrior which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.
After a mutual decision is made by both you and Dr. Farrior, the technique
indicated for your individual surgery will be discussed. The type of anesthesia,
the surgical facility, any supportive surgery, and the risks and costs
inherent in the procedure will be outlined.
In upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Farrior first marks the individual lines
and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible
along these natural folds. The incision is made and excess fat, muscle,
and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions,
thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar.
In lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Farrior makes the incision in an inconspicuous
site along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat,
muscle, and skin are then trimmed away before the incision is closed with
fine sutures. Eyelid puffiness caused primarily by excess fat may be corrected
by a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The incision in this case is made
inside the lower eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed. When sutures
are used to close this kind of incision, they are invisible to the eye.
They are also self-dissolving and leave no visible scar. Under normal
conditions, blepharoplasty can take from one to two hours.
Immediately after the surgery has been completed, Dr. Farrior may apply
tiny sterile bandages. This is not done for transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
It is not crucial that the eyes be covered. However, an ointment to prevent
dryness of the eye area may be used. A certain degree of swelling and
bruising is normal. Cold compresses, as well as head elevation when lying
down, will enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Dr. Farrior will prescribe
medication for discomfort.
For a week and a half following blepharoplasty, you will clean the eye
area (the eyes may feel sticky, dry, and itchy). Eyedrops may be recommended.
Dr. Farrior will also list activities and environments to avoid in the
weeks immediately following surgery. Permanent stitches will be removed
in three to five days after surgery. Self-absorbing stitches will dissolve
on their own.
Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws
and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing
how you look, facial plastic surgery can help change how you feel about
yourself.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic
reasons. Surgery to correct or improve vision or surgery for eye deformity
or injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's
responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on
the degree of coverage.
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