|
 Eyelid
surgery, or blepharoplasty, is chosen by thousands of
men and women each year to correct bags and bulges
around the eyes, as well as drooping eyelids. Although
more women than men choose eyelid surgery, the procedure
is equally suited for both genders.
According to
Dr. Dole Baker,
facial cosmetic specialist, people of
all ages have eyelid surgery. Younger patients have the
surgery because of an inherited condition in which fat
cushions of the eye push forward, causing a bulging
appearance. Older patients generally have eyelid surgery
to reduce these bulges as well as sagging eyelid skin.
Droopy eyelids can make a person look older and, in some
cases, impair vision. Eyelid surgery can improve these
problems, resulting in a refreshed appearance, with a
more youthful eye area.
During a
personalized consultation with the aesthetic
professionals and
Dr. Dole Baker, you will be asked
questions about your vision, tear production, use of
contact lenses, and, last, but not least, your
expectations. This results of this examination, plus
age, skin type, ethnic background, and degree of visual
obstruction is useful to determine the best course of
treatment. Eyelid surgery does not normally reduce
wrinkling around the eye area, nor does it lift a
drooping brow; therefore, many patients decide to
combine eyelid surgery with a
forehead and/or
brow lift
and skin resurfacing to achieve the best overall result.
Understanding the Procedure
Eyelid surgery is performed by
Dr. Dole Baker at
About Face Aesthetic Surgery and Rejuvenation with
local anesthesia. Upper and lower eyelid surgery may be
performed at the same time; however, either can be done
independently.
Upper eyelid
surgery is performed by making an incision in the
natural skin crease of the eyelid. Excess skin and fat
are removed through the incision, which is closed with
fine sutures thereby minimizing the visibility of any
scar. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made in
an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile
creases of the lower lid, or on the inside of the
eyelid. Once excess tissue, skin and fat has been
removed, absorbable sutures are used to close the
incisions. Eyelid puffiness caused by excess fat is
usually corrected by an incision made inside the lower
eyelid, and excess fatty material is removed.
After
Surgery
Most patients experience little or no discomfort
following eyelid surgery and find that taking a mild
analgesic relieves any discomfort. We provide thorough
instructions on cleaning the incisions and the
application of antibiotic eye ointment, when indicated.
Some swelling
and bruising may develop after the procedure. Cold
compresses, as well as head elevation when lying down,
enhances healing and relieves discomfort. As time
passes, the incisions for both the upper and lower
eyelids blend in with the surrounding skin and are
easily camouflaged. The skin at the outer corners of the
eye is thicker and takes a bit longer to heal.
The stitches
used to close the incisions in the upper and lower
eyelids are removed three to five days after surgery.
The sun may darken maturing scars; therefore, sunscreen,
sunglasses, or a hat is recommended to protect incisions
in the upper and lower eyelids as they heal.
Most patients
can return to near normal activity within a few days of
the surgery. However, as the incisions heal, it is
important to restrict activities that may put pressure
on the eyes. You should avoid lifting, bending, and
straining for up to two weeks.
Most patients
can anticipate a marked improvement in the appearance of
the eyes. This improved appearance is often accompanied
by a feeling of tightness in the eyelids that may last a
few weeks or months. Bags and bulges are significantly
reduced, if not completely eliminated. Some patients may
actually experience slight improvement in their eyesight
or peripheral vision as a result of the removal of
excess skin.
We invite you
to call our office
to determine if you are a good
candidate for this procedure or any other services that
we may be able to provide at
About Face Aesthetic
Surgery and Rejuvenation.
Visit Our
Plastic /
Cosmetic Surgery
office in
Anderson, South Carolina (SC). |
