Project Description
EYELID SURGERY
WHAT IS EYELID SURGERY?
Eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on either the upper and lower lids, or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
Specifically, eyelid surgery can treat:
- Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
- Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids
- Bags under the eyes
- Drooping lower eyelids that reveal white below the iris
- Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid .
- Swelling from water retention is not corrected.
In general, good candidates for eyelid surgery include:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for eyelid surgery
- Individuals without serious eye conditions
Remember that the eyelids are part of the face. The appearance of a drooping upper lid may also be due to relaxation of the forehead skin and eyebrow. Sometimes a drooping eyelid is caused by stretching of one of the upper eyelid muscles, the levator eyelid.
Dr. Federico di Francesco will evaluate your anatomy thoroughly to determine the causes of your eyelid appearance, and what procedures might best remedy them.
THE PROCEDURE
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Federico will recommend the best choice for you.
The incision lines for eyelid surgery are designed so the resultant scars will be well concealed within natural structures of the eyelid region.
The upper eyelid can be corrected through an incision within the natural crease on the eyelid. This allows for removal or repositioning of fat deposits, tightening of muscles, and removal of excess skin.
Conditions of the lower eyelid may be corrected with an incision just below the lower eyelash line. Through this incision, excess skin in the lower eyelid is removed. Again, the excess fat can be repositioned or removed.
A transconjunctival incision, created on the inside of the lower eyelid, is an alternate technique to correct lower- eyelid conditions and redistribute or remove excess fat. With this technique, no skin is removed.
After the incision is made, a breast implant is inserted into a pocket either:
- Under the pectoral muscle (a submuscular placement), or
- Directly behind the breast tissue, over the pectoral muscle (a submammary/ subglandular placement)
The method for inserting and positioning implants depends on the type of implant, degree of enlargement desired, your body type, and your surgeon’s recommendations
Eyelid incisions typically are closed with:
- Removable sutures
- Skin adhesives
The results of eyelid surgery will appear gradually as swelling and bruising subside to reveal a smooth, better-defined eyelid and surrounding region, and an alert and rejuvenated appearance. No heavy physical activities are allowed for 3 weeks.
RISKS & SAFETY
The decision to have eyelid surgery is personal, and you’ll have to decide if this surgery will achieve your goals, and if the potential risks are acceptable.Be sure you understand the surgery and recuperation completely, and don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Federico di Francesco questions.
The risks include:
- Anesthesia risks (You will have a consultation with the Anesthesist few days before surgery)
- Swelling and bruising
- Bleeding from the incision lines
- Dryness to the eyes
- Sensitivity to sun or other bright light
- Difficulty closing your eyes (temporary)
- Ectropion, an outward rolling of the eyelid
- Infection (uncommon)
- Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur and is often temporary
- Changes in skin sensation
- Poor wound healing
- Possible need for revision surgery
These risks and others will be fully discussed during the visit, prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon Dr. Federico.
COST
Prices for eyelid surgery can vary. A surgeon’s cost may be based on his or her experiences, the type of procedure used, and geographic location. Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.
Cost may include:
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Medical tests
- Post-surgery garments
- Breast implant fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Surgeon’s fee
CONSULTATION & PREPARING FOR SURGERY
During your consultation be prepared to discuss:
- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and previous medical treatments and specifically any problems you have had with your eyes
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
- Previous surgeries
Your surgeon will also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs
- Discuss your eyelid surgery options
- Recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of eyelid surgery and any potential risks
- Discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking for one week before surgery : aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, raw garlic, ginger, green tea and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding .
Eyelid surgery may be performed in an accredited licensed surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Be sure to ask questions. It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your eyelid surgery. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr. Federico.
