BLEPHAROPLASTY
WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove extra skin from the eyelids. Unfortunately, as we age, our eyelids become lax, and as a result, the supportive muscles weaken. When this happens, a surplus of fat and extra skin accumulates above and below the eyelids. Therefore, the eyebrows sag, the upper eyelids droop, and bags form underneath the eyes. When the skin begins to sag around the eyes, the side vision (peripheral vision) appears limited. A blepharoplasty, fortunately, reduces vision problems radically, making the eyes appear wider and younger-looking.
WHY PERFORM A BLEPHAROPLASTY?
A blepharoplasty is done for the following reasons:
- Sagging upper eyelids
- Extra skin in the upper eyelids that obstructs peripheral vision
- Extra skin forms within the lower eyelids
- Unpleasant-looking bags beneath the eyes
HOW DO YOU CARRY OUT A TRADITIONAL BLEPHAROPLASTY?
For surgery on the upper eyelids, an incision is made over the fold of each eyelid. Afterwards, extra skin, fat and muscle are removed, and the incision is sealed. However, for surgery on the lower eyelid, an incision is created underneath the lashes in the natural crease of the eye or within the bottom eyelid. Next, excess muscle, droopy skin and fat are either removed or redistributed. Finally, the incision is closed.
WHAT IS A LASER BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Laser blepharoplasty is a less invasive surgical procedure that reduces excess fat and skin near the periocular area in order to rejuvenate the eyes. A laser blepharoplasty aims to revitalise sad, droopy eyes.
HOW DO YOU PERFORM A LASER BLEPHAROPLASTY?
A laser blepharoplasty can be done on the upper and lower eyelids according to the patient's needs.
The procedure entails the following:
- The region of the skin where the skin will be removed is marked beforehand.
- Titanium lenses are inserted in the eye to separate the eyeball from the remaining region to be treated.
- A type of local anaesthetic (lidocaine-adrenaline) is inserted through the skin.
- Extra skin is removed, and through the use of a laser, the excess muscle is contracted. Then, a minimal laser is used to create an incision to extract fat that doesn’t need muscular suturing.
- Afterwards, the upper skin wound is sealed with a superficial suture that can be taken out after five days.
A laser blepharoplasty on the lower eyelid entails the following:
- You mark where the deposits will be removed.
- Similar to the upper eyelid, a contact lens is inserted in the eye to separate the eyeball from the remaining area that requires treatment.
- An incision about the depth of a few millimetres is created through the conjunctiva in order to reach the retromuscular segment where the deposits are located and drained.
- A laser is placed over the skin of the lower eyelid for effective effacement.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A BLEPHAROPLASTY?
After a blepharoplasty, the medical staff will observe you in the recovery room to ensure no complications occur after the procedure. Normally, you can return home later on the same day of the procedure. It’s normal after surgery to develop the following effects:
- Hazy vision from the ointment used
- Watery eyes
- Numb, swollen eyelids
- Eye discomfort
- Bruising or swelling near the eyes
It’s critical that you avoid rubbing the eyes, smoking and wearing contact lenses after the blepharoplasty.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
A blepharoplasty enhances confidence due to the newly rejuvenated, youthful appearance of the eyes.