A lot of people seek cosmetic surgery to remove excess fat or skin around the eyelids. This procedure is referred to as Blepharoplasty, or an eye lift. The purpose of the procedure is to improve both a patient’s vision as well as the aesthetic of the eyes.
Who Should Undergo an Eyelift Procedure?
Your cosmetic dermatologist will determine whether you are a good candidate for the surgery. In the majority of cases, individuals who undergo blepharoplasty are healthy persons over the age of 35. It’s important to keep in mind that there are some conditions that may prevent you from receiving the procedure; these include:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure.
In addition, certain facial and bone structures may not react well to the procedure.
When Should You Pursue a Blepharoplasty?
With age, it’s only natural that the skin around the eyes begins to droop. For this reason, it’s no surprise that this procedure is most common in middle aged and elderly individuals. Excess skin and fat can be more than just physically unattractive, it can impede one’s vision. When this happens, it’s wise for an individual to begin speaking with their doctor about a possible blepharoplasty. Additionally, there are certain medical conditions that may be able to benefit from the procedure as well. Ptosis, for example, is a condition wherein the muscle and nerves around the eye are either damaged or poorly developed. This causes a subsequent drooping of the eye that can have the same aesthetic and functional consequences as aging skin.
What Can I Expect During the Surgery Performed in Orange County?
Blepharoplasty is an out-patient procedure that is typically performed under local anesthesia, although general anesthesia may be used, depending upon your needs and the extent of the surgery. During the procedure itself, the surgeon makes incisions along the creases of the eyelid and removes any excess skin, fat, and muscle from the area. Again, since each person’s needs will vary, the time spent in surgery will vary as well. However, it’s rare for the procedure to take more than three hours to complete.
What Can I Expect After My Blepharoplasty Procedure?
Since the procedure is out-patient, patients are usually sent home within a few hours after the surgery ends. The surgeon will thoroughly lubricate and bandage your eyes as well as prescribe you painkillers and antibiotics to prevent the eyes from becoming infected. If everything is healing as it should, the stitches are removed after about a week and normal activities can be resumed after about 7-10 days.