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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Blepharoplasty - Things You Should Be Aware Of!

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Dr Ashish SangvikarCosmetic/Plastic Surgeon • 25 Years Exp.MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, DNB, MCh - Plastic Surgery
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Blepharoplasty is the surgery of the upper or lower eyelids. It is usually done for cosmetic purposes but can be done to correct any deformity around the eyes. Blepharoplasty is an operative method to improve the vision by removing the extra tissues, skin, fat, and muscles under or above the eyelids. With the elimination of the saggy eyelids, the eyes look more alert and younger. This surgery can be performed for many reasons such as to remove extra skin on the upper and lower eyelids that can cause poor or disturbed vision. It can also be done for droopy eyelids and to remove bags under the eyes.

Blepharoplasty is usually done with other surgeries like skin resurfacing, forehead or facelifts, and filler injections. Before one decides to go for the surgery, he/she should consult the surgeon about all the risk factors that are involved in it and should also be open to the doctor regarding one’s medical history and condition. There are a number of risks involved in Blepharoplasty such as reaction to anesthesia, dry eyes, blood clots, irritated eyes, skin discoloration, transitory blurred vision, loss of vision, bleeding, troubled shutting and opening of eyes, visible scars or markings, infection, and damaged eye muscles.

Procedure:

Before the surgery, there are a number of procedures that are needed to be followed. The surgeon or doctor should be well aware of the patient’s medical and surgical histories especially if there are any medical history and condition related to eyes and allergies. It is the patient’s responsibility to make the concerned medical team well aware about his/her expectations from the surgery before proceeding.

The patient will have to undergo some lab tests and examinations to help the doctor know the overall medical condition and the expected outcome and the expected risks of the surgery.

  1. The doctors will physically examine the patient which includes measurement of eyelids and tear production test.

  2. As the surgery is concerned with the eye area, eye tests will be performed that includes a vision test and other eye-related examinations.

  3. In these kinds of surgeries, the concerned part is photographed from various angles to help the surgeons plan the surgery and to know the instant and long-term outcomes.

Before the Surgery:

The patient should follow the instructions provided by the surgeon before the surgery. An individual should take into account some of the precautions before the surgery.

  1. Eliminate smoking weeks before the operation or surgery;

  2. Eliminate alcohol consumption weeks before the surgery;

  3. Eliminate medications or other supplements related to amplified bleeding such as aspirin, warfarin, and likewise;

  4. Consume medications prescribed by the doctor;

  5. Give maximum rest to the eyes;

  6. Avoid using electronics or devices that can affect eyes.

Take Away:

Blepharoplasty is a surgery used to improve the drooping eyes by removing the extra skin, tissue, fat, and muscles from the upper or lower eyelids. This surgery is usually done for the cosmetic purpose to make the eye look younger and alert but is also performed often on the senior citizens to help improve their vision. There are many risks involved in the surgery depending upon the medical history and conditions of the patient. One should not go for the surgery unless needed for medical purpose or suggested by the doctor as it makes the eyes more prone to infections and other problems.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!