Blepharoplasty: Understand The Basics Of This Procedure

Is your doctor mentioning a blepharoplasty as a way to increase your vision or brighten up your eyes? What he or she is suggesting is an eyelid surgery. It sounds complicated but these procedures are being done every single day. Here are some of the basics surrounding this procedure.

Reasons for Surgery:
When a man or woman choses blepharoplasty as an elective surgery, both the upper and lower eyelids can be changed. Most people meet with their plastic surgeon with complaints about the bags under their eyes or the excess skin that is sitting on top of the upper eyelids. These characteristics often make a person look tired.

During the procedure, the excess skin and fat around the eyes are removed. The skin that covers the eyes is pulled tighter and then reattached. The final results take years away from a person's appearance but they also add a different element to the eyes. Instead of looking tired or worn out all the time, they end up looking fresh, bright, and wide-awake.

Blepharoplasty is a medical necessity when the skin of the eyelid becomes so loose that it begins to protrude over the eyes. This could cause a loss of part of the vision, usually peripheral, and make it difficult for a person to see enough to read, write and drive. This procedure is necessary to regain full sight once again.

The Outcome:
Just like any other form of plastic surgery, the results of a blepharoplasty will vary from person to person. You must be in good health to undergo the procedure. The surgeon will talk to you about any health conditions you have as well as any previous reactions to anesthesia. Even in cases of medical necessity, it is important that a person be able to stand up to the operation and the time it will take to recover.

It takes a while to experience a full recovery. The first few days are usually the most difficult. Patients receive a prescription in order to deal with the pain associated with the incisions and the trauma to the area. Ointment may be applied to help the incisions heal without complication. It is not unusual for patients to experience some bruising.

For the next week, it may be necessary to keep dark sunglasses on when heading outside. Both the sun and the wind can cause irritation and cause a set back in recovery. Over time, the swelling and bruising will diminish. Patients still need to be careful and notify their physician if at any time they have concerns about anything involving their eyes. While there are some scars, they are rarely noticeable as they are either along the eyelid line or at the crease of the upper eyelid.