Description
Blepharoplasty is a procedure under cosmetic plastic surgery meant to remove excess fat and skin present in the upper or lower eyelid to improve appearance. The surgery helps to rectify droopy eyelids that are associated with aging or that seen inborn. There are two major types of blepharoplasty based on the region of surgery – upper eyelid and lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed in two ways – inside lower eyelid surgery or transconjunctival and outside lower eyelid or transcutaneous.
Procedure and technique
The upper eyelid surgery is meant to remove the excess fat bodies above upper eyelid. The surgeon will draw a line for incision along normal grooves of skin to avoid noticeable scars after surgery. It is a transcutaneous process and the excess skin will be reattached, giving a more youthful look.
Lower eyelid surgery done transcutaneously is carried out carefully through the grooves. Excess fat, muscle and skin are removed resulting in non-droopy or sagging eyes. Surgeries done transconjuctival are more advanced with incisions made in inner lining of lower eyelid. This will help to hide the incision line from normal view and skin removal is needed in this case.
Duration
Surgery will lasts around 45 minutes to one hour for single eye. Time may vary if surgery is needed for both upper and lower eyelids. In case of complexity, time can extend up to three hours.
Cost of surgery
In general, blepharoplasty surgery costs around 4500-5000 $. It includes surgeon’s fee (2500-3000$), charges for anesthesia (500-750$) and surgical facility fee (500-1000$). It varies based on the type of surgery, combination and location.
Risks and side effects
Like any other surgical procedures, blepharoplasty also possesses risks and side effects. Bleeding, infection and anesthesia related complications are some of them. Swelling is also noticed as a possible complication.
Anesthesia
In almost all cases, local anesthesia with drugs for sedation is given prior to surgery. The patient will be awaken during the time of surgery and may sometimes feel minor pain on the area. Considering the condition of patient, general anesthesia will also be given in some cases.
Results and Benefits of blepharoplasty
The major benefit of surgery is improvement in appearance and self-confidence. Droopy or sagging eyes can affect overall performance of an individual in a group. Surgical rectification can help the person to overcome such issues. The results are long lasting and can benefit as life changing step.
Before surgery
Pre-surgical consultation is necessary and should be done in detail. The patient should confirm the steps and results of surgery. He/she should make a clear picture of results also. You have to give details of medical history to surgeon. Patient will be advised not to make a sudden shift from routine work or diet. A feeling of nervousness is normal to all and can be dealt with mental and physical preparation. Avoid smoking, alcohol consumption and anti-inflammatory drugs and that change blood pressure.
After surgery
After surgery, eyes will be lubricated with ointments and saline solution. Ice packs will also be used to avoid swelling. Follow ups are necessary after surgery to check vision and other problems. Un-dissolvable sutures will be removed after one week.
Scars
Even though scars remain unnoticed in most of the cases, it will be visible for up to six months. Care will be taken by surgeon to avoid scars affecting the overall look of the patient.
Inpatient-outpatient
Patients can leave the hospital on the same day of the surgery. So it is done on outpatient basis.