Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery

Eyelid Reconstruction Surgery, also known as Blepharoplasty is a procedure used to treat droopy eyelids. During this type of plastic surgery, a doctor removes skin, muscle and at times fat that may be causing the area around your eyes to sag.

Who’s a good candidate?

Eyelid reconstruction surgery is mostly sought by people looking for anti-aging treatments. Sagging of the skin around your eyes is a natural part of aging, but you may consider this type of surgery if you’re starting to find such effects worrisome. Candidates also seek out blepharoplasty if they have significant bags under their eyes or if their eyebrows are beginning to sag.

For certain people, a blepharoplasty goes beyond cosmetic concerns. You might be a good candidate for this procedure if your vision is affected by sagging skin. Some people may complain that their vision when looking upwards is blocked by the skin.

To minimize the risk of complications, you may also be a good candidate if you don’t smoke or have any chronic illnesses that can affect your recovery.

Preparation for eyelid reconstruction surgery

Preparing for eyelid reconstruction surgery is complex. First, you’ll need an initial consultation with a doctor to discuss your concerns and desired outcomes for your eyelids. You’ll also want to ask your doctor about their experiences with this type of surgery.

Before you undergo this procedure, your doctor will need to run some tests. A physical exam is conducted to look at and measure your eyes. Vision and tear tests are also carried out. Finally, your doctor will take pictures of your eyelids to help assist the doctor during the surgical procedure. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies and herbal supplements.

You’ll likely be asked to stop taking anything that increases bleeding risks like ibuprofen or warfarin. You’ll also need to stop smoking several weeks prior to your surgery.

You’ll need to prepare for the first few days after surgery, as your eyelids may be swollen to the point that your ability to carry out some activities may limited. Consider cooking meals ahead of time and be sure you have all the items you need so you won’t have to leave home. You’ll also need a friend or loved one to take you home after the surgery.

Procedure for eyelid reconstruction surgery

Eyelid reconstruction surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. That means you can go home after the procedure. General anesthesia is only used for some people. Your doctor will usually inject a numbing agent into your eyelids.

The upper eyelids are addressed first. Here, your doctor will make a small cut and remove excess skin, muscle and sometimes fat. Some of these tissues might be moved to other areas surrounding the eye before your doctor closes the incision.

The lower eyelid surgery usually involves removal of fat, which contributes to the under-eye bags, as well as sometimes removing a small amount of skin. The incision may either be on the inside of the eyelid or on the outside beneath the lower eyelashes. In some people, the lower eyelid may be tightened or secured to the bony skeleton.

Recovery from eyelid reconstruction surgery

Recovery from blepharoplasty is normally short compared with other types of surgeries. Immediately after the surgical procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery room. You’ll be monitored for side effects. If there are no complications, you’ll go home the same day.

It’s important to rest for a few days after eyelid reconstruction surgery. You might experience some swelling and pain. Your doctor may recommend you take pain medication to relieve these symptoms. It can take a week or two for these symptoms to completely go away. Your doctor may also recommend ice packs for the next couple of days.

Blurry vision and sensitivity to light are also possible temporary side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms last longer than a day or two.

You can’t wear contact lenses for two weeks after your surgery. Make sure you have an alternative like prescription glasses at hand.

You don’t need to keep your eyes covered throughout the whole recovery phase, but you might be sent home with gauze to protect the area. You’ll also need to make sure you gently wash the area and keep it clean. After a few days, you’ll see the doctor again for an evaluation and to remove any stitches as necessary.

Risks of eyelid reconstruction surgery

All types of surgery carry the risk of bleeding, bruising, and infection. Blood clots are also a rare, but serious risk. Other risks and complications include:

• Blurry vision

• Damage from excessive sun exposure

• Dry eyes

• Itchiness around the eye area

• Inability to close your eyes

• Muscle damage

• Scars

It’s important to talk to your doctor about these risks ahead of time. Also inform your doctor if you’ve had any previous complications with any type of surgery in the past.

Efficacy of eyelid reconstruction surgery

Sometimes eyelid reconstruction surgery is used in conjunction with another related procedure to improve the results. Some people with significant saggy eyebrows might go for for a brow lift. Others may even undergo a full facelift to address other cosmetic concerns at the same time. You might consider asking your doctor if other procedures would help increase the effects of the surgery.

Ideally, eyelid reconstruction surgery is a one-time procedure. However, you may need follow-up surgeries if you don’t like the results, or if your eyelids don’t heal properly the first time.

Outlook

Blepharoplasty is mainly used to treat common signs of aging that develop around your eyes. If you’re concerned about excess amounts of skin or sagginess around your eyes, talk to a dermatologist about your options. In some cases, you may not need surgery.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.