subject: Eyelid Surgery: Get The Facts Of The Procedure [print this page] If you want to change your look, resulting in a younger appearance, eyelid surgery could be just right for you. Knowing the basic facts about it before you commit to this operation is a good idea. There are a few components of the procedure, and learning about them is interesting whether you decide to do it or not.
If you have lower eyelid surgery, expect the doctor to make an incision just beneath the lower lashes. The surgeon will then remove any extra fat, muscle, and skin from the area. If your eyes are too relaxed, which can cause drooping; the surgeon can correct it at this stage. If you have puffiness in the area, your doctor might choose to redistribute your fat rather than simply remove it.
If you opt for upper eyelid surgery, the incision should be placed where the upper lid creases so that the scar will not be obvious. Some physicians prefer to perform the incision where the laugh lines are so that it will be hidden. Either way, the scarring is typically minimal due to the number of creases in the area. The same process as for the lower lids is followed. The amount of skin and fat removed depends on how loose or saggy the area is. If it is quite loose, the excess muscle can simply be trimmed without being disconnected. You will then be stitched up using very fine suture material.
You can choose whether this operation is inpatient or outpatient, though typically it is the latter. If you choose to stay overnight in a hospital and make it into inpatient surgery, the cost will be much higher than if you decide to stick to a one-day procedure in a clinic. Since this is not usually covered under insurance, the choice is up to you. If you feel safer staying at a hospital overnight and can afford it, it is perfectly acceptable. You can expect it to take anywhere from one to three hours, though many people decide to get other surgeries done at the same time, in which case it can take the entire day.
Most people obtaining eyelid surgery opt for local anesthesia, but general anesthesia is also available for those who prefer to pass out until it is over. Whether you have questions about the procedure, preparation, or recovery period, you should ask your doctor at the consultation.
However, educating yourself on the basics is a wise idea to help you decide if you want the operation performed at all.
