EYELID SURGERY

Blepharoplasty

As we all know, the eyes are a prominent facial feature. Although the eyes are expressionless structures, the surrounding skin conveys emotion. The tissue, muscle, fat, hair, and lashes all contribute to the wide array of expressions. Unfortunately, wrinkles and deep lines as well as puffiness develop as you age. In addition, exposure to the sun as well as hereditary factors contribute to the aging process, all resulting in changes of expression.

Drooping upper eyelids can result from a combination of factors such as eyebrow ptosis (laxity in eyebrows which may or may not be symmetric), laxity of upper lid skin and bulging fat.

Aging lower eyelids such as bags and bulges about the eyes develop as a result of laxity of the eyelid skin and bulging of fat through the weakened envelop around the eyes. It is not limited to older patients, as it may be seen in younger individuals who have inherited a predisposition toward development of fat protrusion at an early age.

In many cases, people may look fatigued, worn out, and older than their true age. Beyond possible visual impairment, these changes in your appearance can cause stress and anxiety.

Before Eyelid Surgery

To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes and face is made in order to take the most effective surgical approach. The amount, distribution, and type of excess skin to be removed are carefully reviewed.

Dr. Merheb will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.

The areas that will be excised are marked and digital photographs and computer imaging are performed in order to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.

How is the procedure done?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed in our office outpatient surgery suite. Hidden incisions are made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or on the inside membrane of the lower eyelid depending on the particular condition to be corrected. Through these incisions excess skin, fat and/or muscle are removed depending on the individual problem. Stitches are carefully placed in order to obtain imperceptible scars.

How will I look after surgery?

Stitches are usually removed 5 days after surgery. Swelling usually resolves within 5-7 days. Faint bruising may persists beyond one week but can be easily covered by make-up or camouflaged by wearing eyeglasses. Minimal discomfort can be expected following the procedure, which can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon.

Most patients experience a marked improvement in the appearance of the eyes. This is often coupled by a similar feeling of lightness in the eyelids. Bags and pouches are significantly reduced, if not completely eliminated.

Crow's feet are diminished but not eliminated by the operation. For those patients desiring correction of these lines, chemical peels, laser resurfacing and/or Botox are excellent adjunctive treatments to be utilized several weeks following the operation.