The Benefits, Procedure and Risks of Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper eyelid surgery is designed for those people who feel their upper eyelid heavy due to accumulation of excess skin or fat cells on eyelids. It treats puffiness and droopiness of eyelids that are often caused due to growing age or parent gene pool.

The results of the surgery may last your entire life or you may need another surgery after seven to nine months. The degree of improvement and the duration of the results vary from person to person.

Benefits of upper eyelid surgery

· Elevated eyelid without sagging or droopiness

· Lighter eyelid due to the removal of excess skin and fat tissues

· Youthful appearance

· Eyes do not look tired and old aged

 

Suitability criteria for upper blepharoplasty

Anyone above 18 years of age and having puffiness on eyelids or droopy eyelids can benefit from the surgery. You should have realistic expectations from the surgery and know and accept the potential risks and complications that may arise during and after the surgery. Keep in mind that an eyelid surgery can aggravate some diseases.

The procedure of upper eyelid surgery

Blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia and oral sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision in upper eyelid with the help of a scalpel and separates skin from the muscles underneath. Excess skin, muscles and fat tissues are then removed from the eyelid and the wound is sutured back with the help of fine and small stitches. The incision causes a linear scar that hides itself in the crease of the upper eyelid.

 

The recovery period

The recovery process usually takes few weeks during which surgeons prescribe painkillers to ease any pain.

During the first two days, you will need to apply an ointment on the incision and iced eye pads to keep swelling at a minimum. Keeping head higher and using 2 pillows at night help in recovery process. Afterwards, lukewarm eye pads are advised to heal swelling and bruising, and wearing dark glasses for a week or so to avoid irritation that may be caused by sun exposure or wind. The incision line fades away with time.

Potential risks and complications

· Swelling

· Bruising

· Infection

· Bleeding

· Reaction to anesthesia

· Asymmetry

· Linear scar

Laser blepharoplasty

Historically there is contention as to the classification of the laser treatment on eyelids as blepharoplasty as laser treatment may not be a surgery, however, lasers lie under the category of surgical procedures according to the American College of Surgeons.

Laser blepharoplasty uses beam of laser instead of scalpel. If desired by the patient, it can be combined with laser eyelid rejuvenation.

Other cosmetic treatments that you can combine with upper blepharoplasty

· Lower eyelid surgery

· Face lift

· Brow lift

· Forehead lift

· Botox

· Dermal and fat fillers

· Laser skin resurfacing

· Skin tightening