Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
If you believe that your eyes are making
you look tired, sad, or older than you really feel, cosmetic
eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty) may be the right
choice for you. Eyelid surgery can remove the excess fat and
drooping skin of the upper eyelids, minimize bags under the
eyes and tighten the lower eyelid skin. The result is a more
alert and rested appearance.
The Best Candidates For Cosmetic
Eyelid Surgery
You may be a good candidate for eyelid
surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
Upper Eyelids
• excess skin
that hides the natural fold of the upper eyelids
• loose skin
that hangs down from the upper eyelids
• puffiness in
the upper eyelids that creates a tired look
Lower Eyelids
• excess skin
and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
• puffy "bags"
and, in some cases, dark circles
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Upper eyelids - typically the incision
begins within the natural crease of the eye's inside corner
and extends slightly beyond the outside corner into the crow's
feet or laugh lines. Through this incision, excess skin and
fatty tissue are removed. The incision line follows the natural
contour of the upper eyelid and is camouflaged when healed.
Lower eyelids- usually the incision is concealed just below
the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle
and fat are removed. Your surgeon may also make special adjustments.
For example, the fat beneath the eye can be redistributed to
eliminate puffiness or bulges. In some patients, the underlying
muscle will be tightened.
Dr. Rajagopal may decide that the best approach for removing
fat from the lower eyelid is with a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
In this procedure, an incision is placed inside the lower eyelid.
This technique requires no external incision, but it cannot
be used to remove excess skin.
After Your Eyelid Surgery
When surgery is complete, you may experience
any of the following:
blurred vision - this
temporary condition is caused by the ointment that may have
been applied to lubricate and protect the eyes.
tightness around the eyes - this
sensation will diminish once the swelling goes down.
discomfort -
some discomfort is common after any type of operation. It can
be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your physician.
bruising and swelling
- the amount and duration of swelling
and bruising varies greatly among individuals.
Although everyone heals at a different
rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general
time line:
The first day:
• In this earliest
stage of healing, it's important to rest with your head elevated.
• Cold compresses
on the eyes reduce swelling.
Within the first week:
• Bruising
around the eyes will reach its peak and then begin to fade.
• Healing may
be accompanied by mildly blurred vision, excess tearing or
dryness, light sensitivity or itching.
• You can begin
to use makeup to conceal any discoloration.
• Stitches will
be removed.
• You may resume
most of your normal (non-strenuous) activities.
After several weeks:
• Most
of the swelling will subside and you'll begin to see the final
result.
• Any vision-related
symptoms will disappear.
• You may resume
vigorous exercise, including bending and lifting.
• You may resume
wearing contact lenses.
If you have any questions regarding Eyelid Surgery, or wish
to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal, please call the
San Francisco
Plastic Surgery & Laser Center at 415-392-3333.
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