Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of eyelids by removing the skin from the eyelid or adding/removing fat from them. Also called as blepharoplasty, it can be performed on either the upper and lower lid or both. It is done to either improve the facial appearance or to cater to any functional problems caused by the eyelids. People in good health are good candidates for eyelid surgery. At the same time, it is crucial to have realistic expectations from blepharoplasty.
Prepping for the Surgery
Preparation is an absolute must before any type of eye surgery. Without the right kind of preparation, the number of risks increases and you may not get the desired results.
The first step of preparation is a physical examination. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination that may include testing your tear production and measuring parts of your eyelids. Once that is done, you have to take an examination to test your vision, including peripheral vision. Doing this will support an insurance claim. Lastly, the surgeon will take multiple photographs of your eyes from different angles. This helps in planning the surgery and assessing its immediate and long-term effects in addition to supporting an insurance claim. (read more here about the costs: Final Expense Insurance 101: What You Need to Know).
The Procedure
If you are undergoing upper and lower eyelid surgery, the surgeon would generally start with the upper lids first. The doctor will deliver anesthesia and once it is under effect, he/she will cut along the fold of the eyelid. Then the excess skin, fat or muscle is removed. Once the required amount is taken away, the incision is closed.
For lower lid surgery, the surgeon will make a cut just below the lashes on the eye’s natural crease or inside the lower lid. The excess fat, skin or muscles are either removed or redistributed. The final step is to close the cut carefully. A procedure called ptosis can also be performed if your eyelid droops close to your pupil.
The entire procedure takes about two to three hours, depending on the amount and location of the tissue being removed.
Recovery After the Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty has a short recovery period. There will be immediate bruising and swelling after the surgery, and it may worsen the next day. However, it starts subsiding quickly. To reduce the swelling and bruising in the first 48 hours, you can use cool compress around the eyes and on your face. Thin bandages will be placed over the incisions sites and the stitches will remain for almost a week. Some doctors may even use self-absorbing stitches that don’t require removal. You may experience blurred vision, watery eyes, sensitivity to light or even double vision. There will be some redness and pain where the cuts were made. Your eyelids might even feel puffy and numb. All these conditions are temporary, so there is nothing to worry.
While resting is important, you can indulge in light physical activities. However, avoid strenuous activities such as going to the gym, swimming etc. Do not strain your eyes and avoid rubbing them if it itches around the stitches. Avoid contact lenses for 2 weeks if you use them and use sunglasses for a few weeks after the surgery. You can return to normal activities after 7 to 10 days.
At the end of week 2, a majority of the bruising and swelling will be resolved. You should avoid certain medicines; consult with your doctor and avoid using those for a few days. There will be a significant change to the shape of the eyes after the surgery.
Eyelid surgery is a common procedure like LASIK eye surgery in Fresno. So, if you are considering it make an appointment with us soon.
Aaron Barriga is the online marketing manager for Insight Vision Center. With a knack for understanding medical procedures, and an interest in eye and vision health, Aaron loves to share what he knows and what he learns. He blogs to inform readers about the latest eye care technology and other topics related to eye care, especially LASIK.
