Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The eyes are considered by many to be the “windows to our souls.” They are the first thing we notice as we converse with one another in our day-to-day life.
Many patients complain that their eyes are not reflective of how they feel physically. The excess skin on the upper eyelids combined with bulging on the lower eyelids causes crowding around the eyes, making them appear small and dull. Patients also complain of looking old and tired. Eyelid surgery is a common cosmetic procedure used to create a more youthful and rested appearance. Upper eyelid rejuvenation consists of removing a strip of excess skin, resulting in a scar along the eyelid crease. This scar fades in approximately 2 months, leaving almost no visible signs of surgery.
Eyelid Surgery Details
Lower eyelid rejuvenation has several surgical approaches. If there is excessive fat creating a bulge in the lower eyelid as well as excess skin, then two incisions are required. An incision along the inner lining of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) allows easy access to remove some of the bulging fat. An incision just below the lower eyelashes allows for removal of the excess skin. In some instances, only one of the incisions is required depending upon the correction needed. If it is just excess skin, then an incision below the eyelashes (subciliary approach) is required.
Surgery
Eyelid surgery procedures takes approximately 1-2 hours. It is performed under sedation in an outpatient setting.
After Surgery
Patients can expect mild discomfort, minimal swelling, and possibly some bruising along the lower eyelid. There are no stitches in the inner eyelid and dissolving sutures are used for the outer skin incisions. Patients may return to work in approximately 2 weeks and resume exercising in 3 weeks. Dr. Antimarino recommends not using contact lenses for 2 weeks.
To answer all of your surgical questions and for detailed discussions, schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation with Dr. Antimarino today.
Read more about Eyelids in our “Procedure of the Month” blog.
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