subject: Blepharoplasty Is A Procedure That Removes Excess Skin Around The Eyes [print this page] Blepharoplasty can give your eyes a youthful and brighter look. This procedure is performed by plastic surgeons and involves the removal of sagging skin from beneath the eyes and on the top of the eyelids. Although it is used for cosmetic reasons, it can often help improve a person's vision.
The first features to be affected by the aging process are the eyes. Surplus skin forms on top and below them, causing bags that make you look old and fatigued. The bags are actually fat which is stored behind the eyeball. As you get older, this fat moves forward and accumulates around the eyes.
That baggy-eyed look is more pronounced when you wake up after a night's sleep. As the day progresses, the bags often shrink. In serious cases however, they remain prominent all day long and make you look haggard and old.
Blepharoplasty can make a significant enhancement. This is a very popular procedure because the results are long-lasting and recovery time is brief. Not all people make good candidates however, and specific criteria will be considered.
As with all surgeries, the patient must be declared medically fit to undergo the procedure. It will only be effective if there is good muscle tone under the eyes, and the skin must be healthy and free from sun damage. The patient must understand that the procedure will not prevent signs of further aging. Neither will it eliminate crow's feet, sagging brows, or fine wrinkles.
As mentioned, recovery is a lot quicker than many other facial surgeries. After surgery, the patient spends a few hours in the recovery room. When the medical personnel are satisfied that the anesthesia has worn off and there is no abnormal swelling, bleeding, or nausea, the patient can be released. Painkillers will be prescribed.
For the first two days, apply an ice compress regularly to reduce swelling and bruising. Healing is quicker if you adhere to the surgeon's recovery instructions. You cannot play contact sports for two weeks. Avoid any activity that increases blood pressure or the heart rate. This will minimize the risks of bleeding and further swelling.
Swelling can be further reduced after blepharoplasty if you sleep on your back with your head elevated. Call the surgeon if you experience any uncomfortable symptoms. These include severe swelling or pain, vision problems, heavy bleeding, or a yellowish-green discharge from the wounds. Contact lenses should not be worn until the plastic surgeon says so.
