|
Blepharoplasty, or cosmetic eyelid surgery, remains one of the most requested aesthetic facial procedures. Both heredity and aging can influence the appearance of the eyelid area. The upper lid begins to show evidence of aging almost before any other facial feature. The lower eyelid follows with the development of bags and skin draping. Some patients exhibit hereditary bags under the eyes, and while not a result of aging, can begin in the early twenties.
Because there is little room for error in blepharoplasty, both careful preoperative physical analysis and meticulous surgical execution are imperative for a successful outcome. In general, however, the benefits are much greater than the risks for these procedures. Both the surgeon and the patient universally find the results rewarding.
As in all aesthetic surgery, each surgeon brings to the consultation and then to the operating room an artistic goal as to how the final result of blepharoplasty should appear. Dr. Bustillo has certain goals that he tries to achieve in blepharoplasty surgery. These are: 1) minimal scars in the upper and lower lids, 2) least possible redundant skin, 3) smoothest transition between cheek bone and lower eyelid, 4) symmetry of the upper and lower eyelid position, 5) symmetry of fat position, 6) durability of the procedure, 7) an overall unoperated appearance, 8) a non-feminizing male upper lid,
9) rapid and uneventful post-operative course, 10) the absence of complications.
IS THE BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY FOR YOU?
The majority of patients that undergo the blepharoplasty operation do so in their early forties and on. Patients are many times confused about what exactly a blepharoplasty corrects. Specifically, the upper blepharoplasty corrects the loose upper eyelid skin. The position of the brow is not affected with eyelid surgery. If the patient desires an elevation of the eyebrow, then a browlift maybe necessary. Dr. Bustillo will help you decide if this is required. The lower blepharoplasty corrects the fatty bags under the eye and tightens the skin in the lower eyelid.
UNDERSTANDING THE SURGERY
Dr. Bustillo performs the blepharoplasty surgery on an outpatient basis at the South Miami Medical Arts Surgery Center, located in South Miami. The center is part of the Baptist Health Hospital System and is outfitted with the newest surgical technology. All surgeries are staffed by board certified anesthesiologists, which are part of the South Miami Hospital Anesthesiology Department.
Dr. Bustillo requires that all patients undergoing the blepharoplasty operation have a medical examination and medical clearance before the surgery by their primary care physician. If the patient suffers from any eye disease, then the patients ophthalmologist must clear the patient prior to surgery. All aspirin, anti-inflammatory products (naproxen, ibuprofen), and vitamins such as A, ginko biloba, and St. Johns wart should be discontinued ten days before surgery because they may interfere with blood clotting and cause bruising. Alcohol should also be avoided for five days before surgery to avoid swelling. Dr. Bustillo starts patients on high dose vitamin C two weeks before and two weeks after to help with the healing and to reduce bruising.
Dr. Bustillo performs the blepharoplasty operation with IV sedation. If the blepharoplasty surgery is being combined with a facelift procedure, then general anesthesia may used. Dr. Bustillo will help you decide which option is best for you.
Because a blepharoplasty procedure is chosen in order to enhance ones appearance, unsightly scars are not acceptable. Therefore, Dr. Bustillo will do everything possible to hide the resulting incision lines around the natural creases in the upper and lower eyelid. Dr. Bustillo performs an individualized blepharoplasty operation for each patient. The upper blepharoplasty consists of an excision of skin and a small amount of fat. There is more variability in the lower eyelid procedure. Dr. Bustillo performs the lower eyelid surgery with either of two approaches, depending on the patient. They are named approaches because they are simply a method used to access the fat underneath the eye. One is the transconjunctival approach, where the fat is removed via a small incision made in the inside lining of the eye. The other is the subciliary approach, where the fat is removed by making a tiny incision just underneath the eyelashes. This incision becomes invisible once it heals.
The surgery can take about one and a half hours if the upper and lower blepharoplasty are being performed. The patient should have a caretaker with them for about two days after surgery. This person does not need to be a medical professional and can be a family member or friend. This person will help with feeding, ambulating, and other chores. If the patient wishes, Dr. Bustillos office can help coordinate a home service to help you with these activities.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
The night of the surgery should be spent relaxed. Activity should be kept to a minimum. A liquid diet is best for the first eighteen hours after anesthesia. The head should be kept elevated using two pillows to help reduce swelling. Dr. Bustillo recommends placing small zip lock bags with frozen peas on the eyes 10 minutes, for every hour spent awake for the first 48 hours.
The blepharoplasty operation is not painful. Tylenol is usually enough to control any minor discomfort. Dr. Bustillo will provide you with additional pain medication, in the event that you need it. Any significant pain should be reported to Dr. Bustillo immediately, as this may signal bleeding under the skin. This is extremely rare, but possible. There may be some mild bruising visible around the eyes.
On the fourth post-operative day, the tiny sutures are removed. Dr. Bustillo places these sutures in such a way that they easily slipped out without any discomfort. Patients can usually shower and wash face after this visit.
About seventy percent of the swelling resolves in the first two weeks. Only the patient is aware that the eyes are somewhat swollen. It is not noticeable to the average person. Hence, the patient can resume most of the daily activities. It is recommended that physical activity, such as running or lifting be resumed only after the fourth week. The remainder of the swelling can take up to three months to completely resolve.
The final results of the surgery may not be completely evident until several months after the surgery. The results of the blepharoplasty operation usually turn back the clock approximately ten years. Most patients who undergo blepharoplasty surgery are extremely happy with the results.
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.
Click here to continue reading frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty surgery
Contact Dr. Bustillo about Miami blepharoplasty.
|
Rhinoplasty
