subject: Blepharoplasty: Eyelid Surgery Overview [print this page] With plastic surgery growing in prominence, more and more people are learning about the benefits of procedures like eyelid surgery every day. Called blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is one of the less invasive plastic surgery procedures, but recipients report big results, regardless.
The eyes are one of the more expressive and therefore more noticed features. That may be why an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure to improve the eyes specifically can make a patients entire face appear younger.
Why Patients Choose Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery can be performed for a number of reasons. In some cases, the patient wishes to reduce the appearance of smile lines and other wrinkles in the eye area. Other times, the goal is to get rid of bags under the eyes or drooping eyelids.
In general, though, patients undergo blepharoplasty to reduce the visible signs that aging and tiredness leave on the face, and return to a fresher, younger appearance.
If You are Considering Eyelid Surgery
One of the most important guidelines patients receive for any plastic surgery is to stop smoking. While many are tempted to ignore this advice as "something doctors say", in fact doctors say it for a very good reason.
Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, meaning less blood is able to flow through them. Blood flow is a primary mechanism of the bodys healing process, so reduced blood flow means slower healing, and greatly increased chance of scarring.
In addition to being ready to give up smoking, at least for a time, you should also prepare for the fact that it may be about two weeks before your bruising and swelling disappear. If you want to keep your blepharoplasty private, plan to stay home and/or wear sunglasses during this time.
No brief article could fully guide you through the process, though, which is why the most important task for those considering blepharoplasty is finding the right plastic surgeon. You need someone experienced and board certified, but just as important, you need a surgeon who will guide you through the process while answering any questions you may have.
How Blepharoplasty Works
For the blepharoplasty procedure, the patient is sedated using IV anesthesia, and a local anesthetic is applied to the area. For this reason, those undergoing this procedure should make plans to be driven to and from the surgery location.
As to the actual procedure, it involves a few small incisions made at the existing eye creases to decrease visible scarring. The surgeon uses these incisions to remove both excess skin and fat around the eye area, and then stitches the incisions closed.
Of course, the blepharoplasty procedure is far more complex than that, but the details are left to the surgeon, which is why finding a plastic surgeon with the right skills and qualifications is so important.
Other Blepharoplasty Considerations
Some patients pair blepharoplasty with other procedures for a more well-rounded improvement, but these sorts of considerations should be discussed with your plastic surgeon. It may be that the eyes are the most visible source of aging and blepharoplasty will have the desired effect, but your surgeon may also recommend some changes to other areas of the face.
With or without accompanying procedures, though, eyelid surgery can help greatly reduce the signs of aging around the eyes.
