Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty

• is a surgical procedure to enhance the shape and appearance of the upper and lower eyelids.

• Drooping of the upper eyelid skin is one of the most common sign of early aging which may block the upper part of the patient’s vision and may also make a patient look “old” or “tired”.

• can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a rhinoplasty, facelift, brow lift, and liposuction.

Upper lid blepharoplasty

-          May be a procedure to improve your function as well as appearance. It will improve your function in patients whose sight is impaired by the drooping and loose skin that hoods over the visual axis.

-          Can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes (double-eyelid procedure), it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage.

Lower lid blepharopasty

-          Almost always cosmetic, is done to remove the puffiness of the lower lid caused by prolapsing orbital fat or eyebags

It cannot:

Won’t remove crow’s feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

How is it done?

• Upper Lid Blepharoplasty – The incisions are hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid or at times a new eyelid crease may be formed in a procedure called “doubled eyelid surgery”.

• Lower lid Blepahroplasty – This may be done through an incision in the lower lid under the lashes. This approach allows the surgeon to remove any excess skin present. Another approach can be done transconjunctivally or through the inner part of the lid. The advantage of this approach is that no scar is produced but excess skin will not be removed using this approach. Skin tightening can be performed using chemical peels and other methods done by TMC dermatologists.

How long will I be in the Hospital? Is admission necessary?

• Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure which is almost always done under local anesthesia. If the patient wishes, intravenous sedation can be administered by an anesthesiologist so that the procedure is “pain-free”.

• Admission is not necessary.

How will I feel after the blepharoplasty is done? How long is the recovery period?

• After the surgery, patients may experience bruising and swelling around the eyes which usually resolves in 1-2 weeks. That is why it’s preferable to schedule this procedure during days that the patient has no social commitments in the next few days.

Are there any special preparations to do prior to the procedure?

• Blood thinners such as aspirin, heparin, coumadin and other nutritional supplements should be stopped (with the permission of the prescribing physician) days before the surgery to minimize bleeding during surgery.

Pre-op instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, making preparations for transportation after surgery.

Types of Anesthesia

It is usually performed under local anesthesia which numbs the area around your eyes with or without oral or intravenous sedatives.

The patient is awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain.

Just like any other surgical procedure complications may be arise during and after the surgery that can be better explained to you at length by your surgeon during your consultation.

Getting Back to Normal

• You should be able to read or watch television after two or three days

• You won’t be able to wear contact lenses for about two weeks and even then they may feel uncomfortable for a while.

• You may have to keep your activities to a minimum for three to five days, and avoid more strenuous activities for about three weeks. It’s especially important to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure, including bending, lifting, and rigorous sports

• You should also avoid alcohol, since it causes fluid retention.

Healing

• Healing is a gradual process

• Scars may remain slightly pink for several weeks but eventually fade to a thin, nearly invisible line.

• Length of time that the effects of the surgery will last varies from person to person and depends on genetics, lifestyle, habits, career, work style, and sun exposure.

Members of the Section or Orbit and Oculoplasty of the TMC Department of the Ophthalmology are accredited surgeons by the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. They have been trained to perform blepharoplasty as well as examine your eye and eyelids thoroughly prior to any eyelid surgery.

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

The Medical City offers a roster of competent ophthalmologists who may assess and treat people with eyelid impairment. For any inquiries please call:

Department of Ophthalmology

Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 7877/6638/6252

Center for Patient Partnership

Tel. No.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444

Reference:

Department of Ophthalmology, The Medical City