Revision blepharoplasty (revision eyelid surgery) corrects complications or enhances outcomes from a previous blepharoplasty, and is often sought by patients dissatisfied with their initial surgery or experiencing post-surgery problems.
This article provides insights into revision blepharoplasty, reasons to have it done, and what to expect during consultation and procedure.
The Complexity of Blepharoplasty Revision
The complexity of blepharoplasty revision is heightened due to altered anatomy from the original surgery. Surgeons performing revision blepharoplasties need to have a high level of skill and expertise.
Why Revision is More Complex than the Initial Procedure
After a blepharoplasty, scar tissue will naturally form. A revision surgeon must carefully navigate this scar tissue, which can be less predictable and more challenging to work with than the original tissue. Other concerns could involve alterations in skin flexibility, shifts in the location of the eyelid fold, the quantity of skin excised, or the placement of the eyelid edge.
During a revision eyelid procedure, the surgeon must correct issues from the original eyelid surgery, maintain a natural eyelid shape, and provide for new aesthetic goals such as a youthful look or fixing droopy eyelids, possibly requiring additional procedures.
Common Reasons for Seeking Revision Blepharoplasty
Patients might seek revision blepharoplasty for a variety of reasons. These can range from dissatisfaction with the results of the initial surgery to complications that have arisen post-procedure.
Unsatisfactory Results
A common reason for wanting a corrective surgery is unmet aesthetic goals from the initial surgery. For example, excess skin present after the previous operation might have caused droopy eyelids or double eyelids when the goal was a natural eyelid contour.
Complications from Previous Surgery
Complications from previous surgery can cause both aesthetic and functional problems and may require revision surgery.
For example, sometimes the levator muscle controlling upper eyelid movement or the orbicularis oculi muscle aiding eyelid closure may be impacted, causing droopy eyelids or lid retraction. This can happen after an aggressive surgery or scar tissue formation, leading to blurry vision and an aged, tired appearance.
Bad Practices in Initial Blepharoplasty Procedures
Several things can contribute to unsatisfactory results or complications from the original blepharoplasty procedure, many of which are linked to the practices that were used.
Inexperienced Surgeons
Inexperienced surgeons may lack understanding of the eyelid’s complex structure, including the levator and orbicularis oculi muscles, leading to under or overcorrection in the original procedure. This can result in malposition of the lower lid, droopy eyelids, lid retraction, or unnatural shape – all falling short of the aesthetic goals and necessitating additional surgery.
Poor Surgical Techniques
Poor surgical techniques can lead to less-than-ideal results. Incorrect incision placement or mishandling of eyelid tissues can cause visible scarring, asymmetry, or problems with eyelid creases, position, or closure. Excessive removal of eyelid skin by the original surgeon may necessitate skin grafts in the revision procedure.
Revision Rhinoplasty: What to Expect at the Consultation
During a revision blepharoplasty consultation, the patient’s concerns will be thoroughly discussed. The surgeon will review the patient’s medical history, conduct a facial and eyelid physical examination, and explore the reasons for dissatisfaction with the initial procedure. A personalized treatment plan will then be developed to address these issues.
The Revision Blepharoplasty Procedure
The goal of revision blepharoplasty is to restore a natural shape and youthful appearance to the eyes while addressing specific issues such as drooping eyelids, eyelid retraction, or excess skin.
Preoperative Preparations
After the initial consultation, patients are given instructions to prepare for surgery. Patients will need pre-op blood tests, and some will require medical clearance to undergo the corrective eyelid surgery.
Some medications and supplements will interfere with healing, and patients are given a list of these to avoid for a designated period. They are also asked to abstain from alcohol and smoking. Supplementing with Vitamin C for two weeks pre-op will also help with healing.
The Surgery Itself
The revision blepharoplasty procedure takes one to two hours and is carried out under local anesthesia with oral sedation, IV sedation anesthesia, or general anesthesia. The surgery may involve removing or repositioning excess skin or fat, tightening the eyelid muscles, or correcting other structural issues.
Aftercare for Revision Blepharoplasty
Postoperative care is crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results from revision blepharoplasty.
Immediate Postoperative Care
Immediately after the surgery, patients may experience blurred vision from the lubricating ointment applied to the eyes. They may also be prescribed antibiotic ointment and eye drops to prevent infection and dryness. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, keep their heads elevated, and use cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising. Also, for the first twelve hours, a liquid diet is best.
Long-term Care
Long-term care post-revision eyelid surgery includes sun protection, allergy avoidance, and a healthy lifestyle. Regular follow-ups will monitor healing, assess eyelid position and contour, and address concerns.
Risks and Complications in Revision Blepharoplasty
The risks of revision blepharoplasty include infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia reactions. Procedure-specific risks may include changes in eyelid position, dryness, excessive tearing, and vision changes. Discuss these risks with your surgeon to make an informed decision.
Why Choose Dr. Bustillo for Your Revision Blepharoplasty
Dr. Andres Bustillo is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 17 years of experience. His extensive training in facial plastic surgery, coupled with his dedication to patient care, is displayed in his private practice, his volunteer work, and his heart for medical mission work.
Dr. Bustillo is committed to understanding his patients’ concerns and developing a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. His high standards and expertise ensure that he is well-equipped to handle the complexities of revision blepharoplasty to deliver optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The success rate for revision blepharoplasty is high, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The specific cost may fluctuate based on the complexity of the situation and the general well-being of the patient.
The recovery period for a revision blepharoplasty can vary. Generally, patients can expect to return to normal activities within two weeks, although complete healing may take several months.
Revision blepharoplasty can correct many issues resulting from an initial blepharoplasty, including sagging eyelids, loss of intercanthal tilt, ectropion, and residual fat bags. However, the ability to address particular concerns could hinge on the details of the original operation and the individual’s physical structure.
The costs involved in a revision blepharoplasty can vary widely based on the complexity of the procedure. The surgeon’s fees, anesthesia costs, and other related expenses are also included.
Choosing the right surgeon for your revision blepharoplasty is important. Dr. Bustillo’s extensive experience, board certifications, and dedication to patient care make him a trusted choice for this complex procedure.
