| The
eyes are the focal point of the face. They are our most intriguing and
revealing facial feature and draw attention and convey expression. The
first signs of aging are usually seen around the eyes.
Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, bagginess, sagging of the eyelid skin,
droopy eyelids, skin folds around the eye are some of the signs.
Unfortunately, the signs of aging can greatly impact the appearance of
our eyes, so that what they reflect is not how we feel. |
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The
most common causes of this include heredity, aging, chronic sun
exposure and sun damage, pollution, irregular sleeping habits and
chronic lack of sleep, significant fluctuations in weight, dietetic
indiscretions, and medical problems like hyper or hypothyroidism and
liver diseases. Recent advances in cosmetic surgery now allow us to
reduce and remove these changes around the eyes, a process called
surgical rejuvenation or Blepharoplasty. |
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| Blepharoplasty
can selectively be done for either the upper or lower eyelid. Usually
both the eyelids of both the eyes are done together for a complete
rejuvenation. More often, it is combined with other procedures like
face-lift and brow lift for a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face. |
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| Who should have it done? |
| If
you are bothered by upper eyelids with excess, drooping skin that makes
you appear sad or angry, or eyes that look tired due to puffiness or
bags, cosmetic eyelid surgery may be right for you. Persons with lower
eyelid sagging, bulges, wrinkles, folds and puffiness will also benefit
from lower eyelid blepharoplasty. In general, adults with the above eye
problems, of any age who are in good health, moderately fit and overall
have good muscle tone are good candidates for eyelid rejuvenation. They
should not have any life threatening illness or medical conditions.
Patients who smoke can have an increased risk of complications. |
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| Could you benefit from a Blepharoplasty? |
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In
general, eyelid surgery corrects the excess skin, tissue and fat that
contribute to puffiness and bags in both the upper and lower eyelids,
revealing a more youthful and energetic appearance. Its not likely to
change your life or the way people treat you. It might possibly improve
your c onfidence and self esteem when you start seeing a more youthful
and fresh you in the mirror. |
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| Where do I begin? |
| A
consultation with your Aesthetic Plastic surgeon at Aesthetics is the
first step to learn how eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of
your eyelids and the surrounding area. This consultation will fully
educate you in a non-pressured environment and will include a
discussion of your goals, options available for eyelid surgery, likely
outcomes, potential risks and complications. |
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| What kind of anesthesia is required? |
| Usually the procedure can be done under local anesthetic, but many would prefer a general anesthetic for improved comfort. |
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| The procedure- |
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An
ellipse of loose skin of the upper eyelid is removed as shown in the
adjoining figure. If there is excess fat in the compartments around the
eye causing bulges, this is removed. The wound is closed with a single
absorbable stitch. For the lower eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision is
made below the eyelashes. Once the skin and muscle has been lifted up,
the fat is redraped over the bony rim of the orbit. |
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| This
helps in reducing the naso-jugal groove depression, a prominent sign of
aging. The lower eyelid is then tightened by a procedure called
canthopexy. Excess skin is then removed. Both the upper and lower
eyelid scars heals very well and the scar is barely visible. |
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| What to expect after surgery? |
| There
might be bruising and swelling after surgery that should subside in 3 -
6 weeks. Immediately after surgery, due to the swelling, you might
experience some difficulty in opening your eyes. There could be slight
irritation and a feeling of dry eye. This rapidly improves after the
next day. Wounds normally heal in 7 days to 2 weeks. Your plastic
surgeon at Aesthetics and the assisting staff will fully attend to your
comfort and safety. You will be advised to apply an antibacterial
ointment to the eye and protect the eyes from sun, wind and dust by
wearing sunglasses. Eyelid surgery can offer dramatic improvement in
the upper and lower eyelids and surrounding areas. |
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| Risks and complications- |
| Although
there are very few risks associated with this procedure, a possible
general risk includes bleeding and collection of blood under the skin
(hematoma). Bleeding is rare but may have to be stopped. Any surgery
carries risks associated with anaesthesia. There are very few risks if
the procedure is done under local anaesthesia. These risks will be
fully discussed with you prior to your consent for surgery. |
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| Progress and healing- |
| Incisions
usually heal in 7 days to 2 weeks. Stitches are removed around this
time. You will be able to return to light work and normal activity at
this time, and to resume wearing contact lenses. Cosmetics can
camouflage any bruising or redness. Healing will continue for several
weeks. Dligent sun protection is a must for best results. |
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| Results and outlook - |
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| Results after upper eyelid blepharoplasty only |
| Your
final result will appear over time, generally within several weeks. It
may take up to a year for incision lines to fully refine. While eyelid
surgery can be expected to correct certain conditions around the eye
permanently, you will continue to age naturally. The benefits of your
surgery should reveal a smooth and a firm contour of the upper and /or
lower eyelids. What matters more is that the appearance of your eyes
matches the way you feel inside - youthful, vital and alert. |
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