Eyelid Surgery – Not Just For Cosmetic Purpose
An eyelid surgery is also called as a blepharoplasty is an operation performed by a plastic surgeon in order to remove excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids. As a person ages, their skin begins to lose elasticity, becoming looser and saggy. This loosening happens in all parts of the body and the eyelids are no exception. In the eye region, however, the drooping tissue can not only be unattractive but can hamper vision, becoming a real problem, physically.
Excess drooping skin around the eye can block vision, especially with the peripheral field of vision. The peripheral vision can be lessened to the extent that it can create hazardous conditions for a person when they are driving an automobile. An eye exam will be a necessary component of the evaluation when a person is opting for blepharoplasty. If the vision is indeed being adversely affected, medical insurance may cover all or part of the procedure. The upper eyelid is the portion that is most likely the culprit in obscuring a person’s vision.
The blepharoplasty is performed in a hospital or clinical setting under either a general or local anesthetic. It is usually considered to be an outpatient procedure but occasionally an overnight stay will be required. Many patients opt to have this procedure performed in conjunction with another procedure in which case an overnight stay would be more likely.
Some of the more common surgical procedures that are done at the same time as the eyelid procedure include brow lifts, face lifts, neck lifts and facial liposuction. Facial liposuction is a procedure in which fatty deposits are suctioned away from cheeks, neck and jowl region.
Facial fillers such as collagen or Botox may be utilized in order to eliminate wrinkles and create a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Following an eyelid surgery, there will be pain, bruising and swelling initially. A patient may experience tightening in the region that prohibits them from completely closing their eyes until the tissue settles in. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member staying with the patient initially, in order to offer comfort as well as help in terms of preparing food and driving.
A liquid saline tear solution can be a comforting touch, as well, since the eyes may be feeling drier than usual, post-op. Cold compresses will alleviate swelling and relieve pain during the first day or two, and pain medication may be prescribed by the doctor. Within a week or two, the patient will need to return to the surgeon for a post-operative check up.
