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What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure more commonly known as eyelid surgery or surgery of the eyelids. It can correct droopy eyelids and puffy, undereye bags that can make a person appear older and tired. During the procedure, excess fat, muscle and skin are removed from the upper and lower lids, resulting in a younger, firmer eye area and a more refreshed appearance.
Are there any limitations to what blepharoplasty can achieve?
Blepharoplasty cannot fix a sagging eyebrow or dark circles or fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Other procedures may be better able to address these problems.
Who is the best candidate for blepharoplasty?
Men and women who are looking to improve drooping upper eyelids or puffy undereye bags may be good candidates for blepharoplasty. As with most types of plastic surgery, patients should have realistic expectations and be physically healthy.
What happens during a consultation for blepharoplasty?
During a consultation for blepharoplasty, the surgeon will conduct an examination and take your medical history. He or she will discuss your goals and the options available to you. The surgeon will explain the surgical technique, the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, the risks and the costs. Additional surgery, such as a forehead lift or skin resurfacing, may be recommended at this time to help you achieve your desired look.
Where is blepharoplasty performed?
Blepharoplasty may be performed in an outpatient surgery center, a surgeon's office-based surgical facility or a hospital.
What type of anesthesia is used for blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia may be used as well.
How is the actual blepharoplasty procedure performed?
When the upper eyelids are being treated, the surgeon will make the incision within the natural lines and creases of the lids, keeping them as well-concealed as possible. Through the incision, excess fat, muscle and skin is removed and then fine sutures are used to close the incisions. When the lower eyelids are being treated, the incision is made along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. Excess fat, muscle and skin are trimmed and then the incision is closed with fine sutures. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be used in cases where eyelid puffiness is caused by excess fat. In this case, the incision is made inside the lower eyelid, through which excess fatty material is removed and the incision is then closed with fine sutures.
How long is the surgical time for blepharoplasty?
Surgical times will vary, though blepharoplasty typically takes one to two hours to complete.
Where are the incisions made for blepharoplasty?
The incision for the upper eyelid is typically made within the natural lines and creases of the lids, while the incision for the lower eyelid is typically made along the lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. In cases where eyelid puffiness is caused by excess fat, a transconjunctival blepharoplasty may be performed in which the incision is made inside the lower eyelid. In all cases, the incisions are positioned so that they are as well-concealed as possible.
Are there scars that result from blepharoplasty?
The incisions required for blepharoplasty will result in scars, though they are positioned to be as inconspicuous as possible. In addition, the scars will fade within time.
Is blepharoplasty a painful procedure?
After blepharoplasty the eyelids may feel sore or tight, though prescription pain medication can help to control any discomfort that patients experience.
What is the recovery like after blepharoplasty?
Swelling and bruising is common after blepharoplasty, which can be controlled with cold compresses and by keeping the head elevated while lying down. The eyes may feel itchy, sticky or dry at first. The eye area will need to be cleaned regularly for a week and a half after surgery, and eyedrops may be recommended. Any discomfort that patients experience can be controlled with prescription pain medication. Bruising can take anywhere from two to four weeks to fully fade.
When will I be able to return to work after my blepharoplasty procedure?
Patients are typically able to return to work within about seven to ten days after the procedure.
How soon after my blepharoplasty procedure will I be able to exercise?
Patients will need to avoid strenuous activities, along with alcohol consumption, for about three weeks after the procedure.
When are the stitches removed after blepharoplasty?
Stitches are usually removed within about three to five days after the blepharoplasty procedure, though self-absorbing stitches, if used, will dissolve on their own.
What are the risks or complications that can occur with blepharoplasty?
The potential complications that may occur with blepharoplasty include the following: bleeding, difficulty in completely closing the eyes, dry eyes, infection, pulling down of the lower lids, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred or double vision, and whiteheads
Does insurance cover the cost of blepharoplasty?
When blepharoplasty is performed purely for cosmetic reasons, it is typically not covered by insurance. However, in cases where drooping eyelids impair vision, the procedure may be covered to some degree.
Dr. Andres Bustillo specializes in Miami blepharoplasty procedures.
Rhinoplasty
