Blephroplasty - Know Steps In It!

Sagging eyebrows, baggy eyelids (both upper and lower eyelids) or under-eye bags can be quite annoying and uncomfortable. Though mostly observed among aged people, the problem can equally affect people of other age groups. Left unattended for a long time, the sagging eyebrows or droopy eyelids can even interfere with one's vision, especially the peripheral vision. The Eye Lift or Blepharoplasty comes as a much-needed saviour that can work wonders to deal with droopy eyelids and similar problems with efficiency and precision.

Who can undergo the Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty comes as the best option under the following situations

• The droopy upper eyelids affecting the side or peripheral vision to a great extent.
• The increased bagginess of the lower eyelids results in the appearance of wrinkles, making one look older than their age.
• The appearance of under-eye bags, especially in young adults.

The steps involved in Blepharoplasty

• Before the surgery, a patient is given a local anesthesia in the form of intravenous (IV) sedation to ease the pain and the discomfort.
• Incisions are then made along the natural lines of the eyelid to remove the excess skin and the fats.
• The surgeon then carefully makes minute stitches to close the incisions. This is mainly carried out in the case of upper eyelids.
• For the lower eyelids, the procedure may be different depending on the type of incision.
  • In some case, the saggy and excess muscles, fats or skin may be excised through incisions made along the margins of the eyelash.
  • Alternately, the excess fats can also be removed through incisions made inside the lower eyelids. This may be followed by an Erbium Laser Resurfacing to take care of the fine lines (in both the cases).
• The surgery, however, may not be as simple as it sounds. Make sure you opt for an experienced surgeon. Research on the matter well enough before you go for the surgery.
• In most of the cases, sans any complications, the stitches are removed within a week or two.
• Minor side-effects such as swelling, irritation, watery eyes, bruising, blurred vision, pain, the eyelids appearing numb may be observed.
• However, consult your surgeon immediately in the case of excruciating pain, loss of vision, infection at the incision site, severe bleeding, difficulty in closing the eyes, dry eyes, to name a few.

Precautionary steps for a faster healing

The hourly use of cold compress or ice packs (for about 10-12 minutes) following the surgery can be of great help.

• Avoid rubbing the eyes or wearing a contact lens for some days following the surgery.
• Do not miss out on a single medicine or eyedrops advised by the doctor.
• Smoking, strenuous and rigorous physical activities such as exercise, swimming or lifting of heavy objects should be avoided for at least a week or as advised by the surgeon.
• Avoid direct contact with the sun or going outside the house without wearing dark glasses.
• Practice a good personal hygiene. Keep the eyelids clean but don't be harsh.