Overview
Introduction
With age, the eyelids stretch and the supporting muscles weaken resulting in excess fat gathering above and below the eyelids. This further causes sagging of eyebrows, droopy upper eyelids, or eye bags. In some cases, it also reduces peripheral vision. This leads to a tired or depressed look making the person feel older than actually is. Eyelid surgery, medically known as Blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the upper, lower, or both eyelids.
What Is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty or Eyelid surgery is a type of surgery that repairs droopy eyelids and may involve removing excess skin, muscle, and fat.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
Dr. Abizer Kapadia, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, has provided guidelines as to who can receive blepharoplasty:
- You are an ideal candidate for a blepharoplasty if you have sagging skin creating folds in the upper eyelids.
- If you have bags under the eyes.
- Eyelid surgery is a good choice for you if you have fat deposits in the eyelids causing the eyes to look puffy.
- If you have fine wrinkles on the lower eyelid.
- If you have drooping lower eyelids causing the white below the iris to show prominently.
What To Expect At The Consultation With Dr. Abizer Kapadia?
Dr. Abizer Kapadia gives the utmost importance to the consultation as it is the step where you understand the procedure, all the aspects of it, and analyze your comfort level with the doctor and his/her staff. During the consultation, Dr. Abizer Kapadia will guide you through the whole process with all the details and will discuss different procedures, the suitable procedure for you, preparation for the surgery, and recovery process, helping you make an informed decision. Dr. Abizer will also discuss and understand your reasons for getting surgery and help you have realistic goals and expectations from the surgery.
During the consultation, you should prepare yourself for a physical examination and to discuss your medical history, previous surgeries, drug allergies, medical conditions, and other such topics concerning your health. Dr. Abizer also urges his patients to ask questions and queries to resolve any doubts they may have regarding the surgery, procedure, risks involved, results as his utmost priority lies in the safety and satisfaction of his patients.
Before / After Images
How Blepharoplasty Is Performed?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure and is performed under local or general anaesthesia. The incision for blepharoplasty surgery are concealed well within the natural creases of the eyelid.
For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made along the fold of the eyelid. Through the incision, excess skin is removed and excess fat is removed or redistributed. The muscle is tightened andthe incision is then closed using sutures of skin glue.
For lower eyelid surgery, an incision is made just below the lash line in the natural crease of the eye. Through the incision, excess skin is removed and excess fat is removed or redistributed. The incision is then closed using sutures of skin glue.
In some patients, upper eyelid droops close to the pupil. In such cases, a procedure known as ptosis correction is performed along with blepharoplasty. Ptosis correction helps provide the eyebrow muscles, an extra support.
Blepharoplasty surgery can result in more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. It enhances the self-confidence.
What Are The Risks Associated With Blepharoplasty?
- Reaction to the anesthesia.
- Infection
- Temporary inability to close your eyelids completely, double vision, or vision loss from retrobulbar hemorrhage
- Dry eyes
- Noticeable surgical scarring
- Malpositioned eyelids
- Undercorrection (not removing enough of the excessive skin)
- Overcorrection (removing too much skin)
- Numbness of the eyelids and temporary swelling
All these risks are very uncommon and will not occur in one patient. Dr. Abizer takes utmost care to avoid the occurrence of any risks and complications during the surgery.
How Is Recovery After Blepharoplasty?
- You may experience mild swelling, bruising, and swollen eyelids post-surgery. It will subside in 7-8 days. You will be prescribed a lubricating ointment and cold compress for a safe and speedy recovery.
- The sutures will dissolve on their own or if they need to be taken out, Dr. Abizer will do so in about a week after the surgery.
- You will be able to resume your normal routine after 3 days of complete rest. However, exercising and other such strenuous physical activities are to be avoided for a minimum of 3 weeks.
- It is recommended to wear darkly tinted sunglasses for sun protection till the healing process is complete.
Blepharoplasty gives permanent and satisfactory results generally. You may see surgical scars post-surgery but they will eventually fade with time. Blepharoplasty or Eyelid surgery is an effective and safe procedure to improve the appearance of your eyelids and eyes and achieve a more youthful look.