Q - What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, or surgery of the eyelids, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eye area. The procedure can restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance by correcting drooping upper eyelids and puffy under-eye bags. Vision may also be improved in cases where excess skin of the upper eyelids interferes with sight. During surgery, excess fat, skin and muscle are removed.
Q - How do I know if I’m a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
If you are physically healthy, realistic in your expectations, and seeking an improvement to puffy under-eye bags or drooping upper eyelids, you may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty. If you have circulatory, ophthalmologic or other medical conditions, blepharoplasty may not be right for you.
Q - What will happen during a consultation for blepharoplasty?
During your consultation, the surgeon will talk about your goals and what you dislike about your eyes. A thorough medical history will be taken and your eyes examined, including a test of your vision and tear production. All aspects of the blepharoplasty procedure will be explained including the technique, the facility, the anesthesia, the recovery, the risks and the associated costs. Photographs of your eyes may also be taken at the time of consultation.
Q - Where does the blepharoplasty procedure take place?
Blepharoplasty surgery may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital.
Q - What type of anesthesia will I receive for my blepharoplasty procedure?
Blepharoplasty is often performed with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation, though general anesthesia is sometimes used instead.
Q - How is blepharoplasty surgery performed?
For the blepharoplasty procedure, incisions are often made in the crease of the upper eyelids or just below the lashes of the lower eyelids. Working through the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat, and trim sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are then closed and a bandage may be applied to the eye area. A transconjunctival blepharoplasty procedure may be performed on patients who do not have excess skin but only a pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids. For this procedure, the incision is made on the inside of the lower eyelids through which excess fat is removed.
Q - How long does is the surgery for blepharoplasty?
The average surgery time for blepharoplasty is about one to three hours.
Q - Where are the incisions located for blepharoplasty?
The incisions for blepharoplasty are often made in the crease of the upper eyelid or just below the lash of the lower eyelid. For transconjunctival blepharoplasty, which is mainly performed on patients who do not have excess skin but only a pocket of fat beneath the lower eyelids, an incision in is made inside of the lower eyelid
Q - Will I have scars after my blepharoplasty procedure?
The incisions made for blepharoplasty do result in scars, though they tend to be small and well-concealed within the natural creases of the upper eyelids or just below the lashline of the lower eyelids. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty results in no visible scarring as the incision is made inside of the lower eyelid.
Q - How much pain can I expect after my blepharoplasty procedure?
Your eyelids may feel tight and sore at first, but any discomfort you experience can be alleviated with prescription medication.
Q - Will I need someone else to drive me home after my blepharoplasty procedure or will I be able to drive myself?
Because you will not be able to drive yourself home after your blepharoplasty procedure, you will need to arrange for a ride.
Q - What should I expect of the recovery after my blepharoplasty procedure?
You can expect some swelling and bruising to occur after your blepharoplasty surgery, with most of the bruising fading within two weeks to a month. You may experience a tight, sore feeling of the eyelids, along with increased tearing, sensitivity to light, or double or blurred vision.
Q - How much time should I plan to take off from work after my blepharoplasty procedure?
Normal activities, including work, can typically be resumed within seven to ten days.
Q - How soon after my blepharoplasty procedure will I be able to exercise?
Any strenuous exercise should be postponed for about three weeks.
Q - When will the stitches be removed after my blepharoplasty procedure?
The stitches may be removed within two to seven days.
Q - What risks are associated blepharoplasty?
As with all types of surgery, there are some risks associated with blepharoplasty and these may include bleeding, difficulty in completely closing the eyes, dry eyes, infection, pulling down of the lower lids, slight asymmetry in healing or scarring, swelling at the corners of the eyelids, temporary blurred or double vision, and whiteheads
Q - Will my blepharoplasty surgery be covered by insurance?
Blepharoplasty procedures which are solely cosmetic in nature are typically not covered by insurance, though some degree of coverage may be available in cases where drooping upper eyelids interfere with vision. Patients should be sure to check with their own insurer.
Q - Can I finance my blepharoplasty procedure?
Financing is available for many plastic surgery procedures. |
Rhinoplasty
