Blepharoplasty: A treatment for droopy eyelids

As we age, our eyelids stretch, making the muscles that support them weak. This results in excess fat gathering above and below the eyelids. It causes the eyebrows to sag, makes the upper eyelids look droopy and forms bags under the eyes. Apart from the aged saggy eyelids, it can also reduce side vision (peripheral vision).

Blepharoplasty is a surgery to repair droopy eyelids by removing excess skin, muscles and fat. Along with giving the eyes a more younger and alert look, blepharoplasty can also eliminate the vision problems.

The Procedure

As per your own request, you will be administered with local or general anesthesia before the surgery starts. You may require general anesthesia if the Blepharoplasty is more complicated or if you plan to undergo other cosmetic procedures at the same time.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both at the same time. Surgeon will make precise markings to designate where excess skin and fat pads need to be removed. Some underlying muscle may also be removed. On these markings, incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelid, in the crease of the upper eyelid and just beneath the lashes or behind the lower eyelid. This way, incisions are virtually unnoticeable after they have healed. After making the incisions fat and muscle tissues are removed, surgical instruments such as scalpels, surgical scissors, radio-frequency cutting devices and sometimes cutting lasers. Once all the excess material is removed, sutures or tissue adhesives are applied carefully to smoothen the areas around the eyebrows and eyelids.

The Preparation

• You will be advised to stop taking any medication that can thin your blood and prevent it from clotting normally. This includes pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. You’ll need to stop these medications one to two weeks beforehand, to reduce the possibility of excess bleeding during the procedure.
• You will have to quit smoking at least two weeks prior to blepharoplasty procedure
• You have to eat only a light meal such as soup the evening before your surgery. You should not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• On the morning of your procedure, you should take essential medications, such as for blood pressure, with a small sip of water.
• You should not wear makeup of any kind on the day of surgery.
• Make sure someone is available to transport you home and watch after you during the first several hours after you are released from the clinic.

The Recovery

• It takes about 2 weeks time to recover completely and get back to normal work routine.
• Topical antibiotic ointment is to be applied every day.
• Cold packs are recommended to reduce the swelling and discomfort around eyes. You should apply cold packs each hour you are awake, for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
• After 48 hours, warm compresses should be applied to promote faster healing.
• Expert doctors at RG Aesthetics will instruct you about what pain medication to take if needed.
• Eye make-up and contact lenses can only be used once the eye has recovered completely.