Blepharoplasty surgery is an out-patient procedure performed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. The goal of the surgery is to reduce the "baggy" or sagging tissues, which may include skin, muscle, and fat pockets.
Candidates for Blepharoplasty Surgery
Unfortunately, over time your upper and/or lower eyelids may become "droopy" or "baggy" because the eyelid skin stretches, muscles weaken, and fat pockets bulge and become more prominent around the eyes. This most commonly occurs because of the aging process but also may be a hereditary condition that runs in your family. After evaluation by our board certified ophthalmologist, it will be determined if your condition warrants this procedure.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty Surgery
The benefits of blepharoplasty surgery can be both cosmetic as well as functional. Your eyes are often the first thing people notice about your face and are an important aspect of facial attractiveness. The eyelids protect one's eyes in addition to adding to their cosmetic appearance. Aesthetically, such conditions may detract from the overall attractiveness of ones eye's and cause a "tired" or older appearance. When severe, these conditions also may result in an impaired field of vision (baggy upper eyelids) or difficulty wearing glasses (baggy lower eyelids).
Procedure of Blepharoplasty Surgery
During surgery, incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid (in the crease of your upper eyelid and just below the lashes of your lower eyelid) so that they are virtually unnoticeable after the tissues have healed. After the excess tissue has been removed, the incisions are closed with fine sutures.
Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery
While Blepharoplasty surgery is considered quite safe and is a common procedure performed in Reading PA, any surgery poses risks to the patient. In the case of blepharoplasty surgery, discomfort is usually minimal after surgery. Aspirin products and 'blood thinners" should be avoided if possible before and after the surgery because of their tendency to increase bruising. After surgery, one may temporarily experience minor discomfort, tightness of the eyelids, swelling, bruising, and dryness of the eyes. These symptoms will usually resolve as the wounds heal. Excessive pain, bleeding, infection, or loss of vision in the period following surgery are very rare. In the unlikely event that such a problem should occur, you should notify your physician promptly. Other complications that may occur include a slight asymmetry in the eyelid appearance or eyelid position. These problems occur infrequently and may require additional surgery to correct.
Recovery from Blepharoplasty Surgery
After the operation, the patient should place cold compresses on the eye several times per day for about a week. Itching and mild discomfort after are normal and usually disappear within a few days. For a few days after surgery, the patient uses prescribed ointment to assist in the healing process and to decrease the risk of infection. Patients should refrain from rubbing the eyes, bending and heavy lifting for several days. In most cases, complete healing takes place within eight weeks.
To learn more about our Blepharoplasty Surgery procedure, please contact our Reading office at 610-376-1981.
