What is an Upper Blepharoplasty?
A Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. When our friends and family members say we look tired, in most cases, they are referring to the aging changes they see around our eyes. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to refresh the appearance around the eyes and create a more youthful look.
What causes the eyelid skin to change?
The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the face. Thin skin has little collagen elasticity and is more susceptible to aging changes and sun damage. As we blink and close our eyes thousands of time every day, we are stretching the upper eyelid skin. Eventually, this skin lengthens and creates extra folds. Women often notice this extra skin when make-up is being applied. In many cases, applying eye shadow is either pointless or it smudges. In women and men alike, the extra skin can lapse over the upper eyelids and eyelashes leading to a droopy and tired appearance. In an upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedure, or upper eyelid lift, the excess skin of the upper eyelid is removed and a more youthful appearing eyelid is restored.
How is Upper Eyelid surgery preformed?
In upper eyelid surgery, the surgeon first marks the individual lines and creases of the lids in order to keep the scars as invisible as possible along these natural folds. The incision is made and excess fat, muscle and loose skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing the visibility of any scar. Sutures are typically removed after five to seven days.
Am I a candidate for an upper blepharoplasty?
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between patient and surgeon. Trust, based on realistic expectations and exacting medical expertise, develops in the consulting stages before surgery. Your surgeon can answer specific questions about your specific needs.
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Blepharoplasty removes the excess fat, muscle, and skin from both upper and lower lids. The results can be a refreshed appearance with a younger, firmer eye area.
People with circulatory, ophthalmological, or serious medical conditions must rely on the diagnostic skills of their own personal specialists to determine whether blepharoplasty is an option to consider. Consultation with the facial plastic surgeon can help you decide whether any additional, complementary surgery would increase the success of the surgery. Your surgeon might recommend planning a simultaneous forehead lift to correct a drooping brow and smooth the forehead, or skin resurfacing to remove the fine line wrinkling in the eye area.
Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. The patient must also make the commitment to follow the pre-surgical and post-operative instructions of the surgeon.
During the pre-surgical consultation, you will be examined and asked to answer queries concerning vision, tear production, use of lenses and your desires for surgery. Your surgeon will explain what you can expect from blepharoplasty and take a complete medical history. Factors to be weighed include age, skin type, ethnic background and degree of vision obstruction. Furthermore, you can expect an open and honest exchange between you and your surgeon, which will establish the basis for a successful outcome.
After a mutual decision is made by both you and your surgeon, the technique indicated for your individual surgery will be discussed. The type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any supportive surgery and the risks and costs inherent in the procedure will be outlined.
How long is recovery?
In most cases, patients are able to return to work and resume normal activities after one week. It is advised that patients wear sunglasses in the summer months following surgery in order to protect the area from the sun and to aid in minimizing scarring.
How do I choose my surgeon?
No matter what type of cosmetic surgery or aesthetic procedure you are considering, your most crucial decision will be your choice of physician. Make sure your physician is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Look for a surgeon who specializes specifically in facial procedures. If you elect to have a surgical procedure, make sure the procedure will be done in an accredited facility. Ask how often your surgeon performs the procedure in question. The more you know about your surgeon and the procedure, the more likely you are to be pleased with the outcome.
What is the next step?
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of a blepharoplasty, call The Sullivan Centre, central Ohio's only free standing ambulatory surgical facility dedicated to cosmetic surgery at (614) 436-8888.