Eyelid Surgery
Elaine Sassoon
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon
|
Eyelid Surgery Elaine Sassoon
Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon
|
|
This section has Word format documents on treatments and pdf leaflets Treatment Information Sheets
|
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)Introduction As one ages the skin loses its elasticity and muscles slacken. For the eyelids this entails an accumulation of loose skin which collects as folds in the upper lids and deepening creases in the lower lids. At the same time there is slackening of the muscles beneath the skin allowing the fat, which cushions the eyes in their sockets, to protrude forward to give the appearance of bagginess. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and muscle from both the upper and lower eyelids along with underlying fatty tissue. Blepharoplasty can improve drooping skin and bagginess. It can also improve vision in older patients who have hooding of their upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty surgery is customised for every patient depending on his or her particular needs. It can be performed alone, to the upper, lower or both eyelid regions, or in conjunction with other surgical procedures of the eye, face, brow or nose. Eyelid surgery cannot stop the process of aging. It can produce a more alert and youthful appearance and diminish the look of loose skin and bagginess in the eyelid region. The OperationI carry out upper blepharoplasties under local anaesthesia, but combined upper and lower blepharoplasties under general anaesthesia in the operating theatre. In a typical procedure an incision is made following the natural lines of the eyelids: in the creases of the upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. The incisions are extended slightly into the crow’s feet or laughter lines at the corner of the eyes. Surplus fat is removed along with excess skin and sagging muscle.
Following surgery the patient is asked to sleep
sitting up slightly and to rest with the head elevated a few days to reduce
swelling. Cold compresses help. The sutures, and any steristrips used to
support the eyelids, are removed after a few days. Sometimes steristrips are
reapplied to support the lower lids for a further week or so. Make-up can be
applied after a couple of weeks. It is not unusual for the eyes to feel tight
after surgery for a few days because of swelling and because of the skin
removed. If the eyes feel dry eye drops can be applied. Sometimes the eyes may
actually be watery after surgery because the tear ducts may be swollen and not
drain as readily; this can last a few weeks. There will be some bruising, which
can readily be disguised with make-up and dark glasses. The scars will be pink
for a few months but settle down eventually. Risks of BlepharoplastyEvery surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should understand the risks, potential complications and consequences of blepharoplasty Bleeding. It is possible to have a bleeding episode during or after the surgery. Do not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications for ten days before surgery as this may contribute to a greater risk of a bleeding problem. Hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not under good medical control may cause bleeding during or after surgery. Accumulations of blood under the eyelids may delay healing and cause scarring. Blindness. Blindness is extremely rare after blepharoplasty. However it can be caused by internal bleeding around the eye during or after surgery. The occurrence of this is not predictable. Infection. This is very rare after surgery. Should it occur additional treatment including antibiotics may be necessary. Scarring. Although good wound healing is expected, abnormal scars may occur both within the eyelid and deeper tissues. These may be of a different colour than surrounding skin. Dry eye problems. Individuals who normally have dry eyes may be advised to use special caution in considering blepharoplasty. Temporary or rarely permanent dryness of the eye may occur. Ectropion. Displacement of the lower eyelid away from the eyeball may rarely occur. Further surgery may be required to correct this condition.
Elaine Sassoon,
AB Hons (Harvard
University),
Appointments available at:
BUPA Hospital, Hill House Consulting Rooms, &
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital,
Contact Information
|
|
Send mail to
ian@osborneweb.co.uk with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
