Why do my eyes look older?
As we age, the eyelids loose elasticity. The loss of elasticity causes the skin to become wrinkly and excessive. The excess skin on the upper eyelid can hang over the lid and may even interfere with your vision. The loss of elasticity of the eyelid also decreases the lid’s ability to hold the fat around the eye in place. As a result, the fat around the eye may bulge and cause a heavy and tired appearance.
What can a blepharoplasty treat?
Blepharoplasty, surgery to rejuvenate the eyelids and general eye area, includes a wide array of procedures. These surgeries range from removing excess skin to removing or repositioning excess fat to adjusting the muscles of the eyelid to achieve a more youthful appearance or address asymmetry. These procedures require an exacting approach. Dr. Brown’s experience in general facial reconstruction, including major eyelid reconstructions, provides him with the foundation to safely and successfully treat most conditions.
During your consult
At the time of your consultation we will review your goals. Dr. Brown will evaluate your medical conditions, drug allergies, current medications/herbal supplements and prior surgical history.
Dr. Brown will examine your eyelids, test their function, sometimes take measurements, and finally take photographs. From that information Dr. Brown will recommend a course of treatment, likely outcomes, and discuss potential complications as well as the type of anesthesia.
Prior to surgery
To get ready for surgery there are a number important steps. We will obtain recent blood work and sometimes obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor
You must stop smoking. In most cases Dr. Brown will not perform an eyelid surgery on anyone who is actively smoking. You must avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements for 3 weeks prior to surgery as this increases the risk of bleeding. Certain hormones must also be stopped as these increase the risk of Deep vein thrombosis
The procedure
Anesthesia. A number of medications are administered for your comfort. Choices of anesthesia include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Brown often recommends intravenous sedation due to a reduction in side effects and eased recovery.
Incisions are designed to the resultant scare are concealed within natural eyelid structures. In the upper eyelid an incision is used that hides in the natural crease. In the lower eyelid Dr. Brown uses a approach from inside the eyelid to remove and redistribute fat associated with eyelid bags. In this technique typically no skin is removed. In some cases a incision just in the eyelid margin is used and a small segment of skin and muscle is used to smooth the lower eyelid skin .
Recovery
After your procedures you will use lubricating eye drops, and cold compresses around the eyelids. Oral pain medication is taken as needed. Swelling is very common and will mostly resolve over the first. week. Typically dissolving sutures are used are gone within 2 weeks.
Risks
- Anesthesia Risks
- Swelling and bruising
- Bleeding form incision lines
- Dryness to the eyes
- Sensitivity to sun or bright light
- Difficulty closing the eyes
- Ectropion (an outward rolling of the eyelid)
- Infection
- Lid lag, A pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur and is temporary
- Change in skin sensation
- Pain which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possible need for revision surgery
- Unfavorable Scarring