Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
Dr. Pascual is one of the leading authorities in blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, in the Miami area. Blepharoplastyis a popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. with over 200,000 procedures performed each year. The cosmetic procedure improves puffy "bags" underneath the lower eyelid as well as reducing wrinkles in the surrounding skin of the upper eyelid. Blepharoplasty is also performed to improve vision functionality.
FAQs
Is Blepharoplasy the Right Choice for Me?
Eyelid lift procedures are effective in enhancing physical appearance and restoring self-confidence. Although the procedure is quite successful, it's important to maintain realistic expectations and understand eyelid lifts don't change facial structures. Also, keep in mind that eyelid lifts won't stop the effects of aging; however, upper eyelid lifts typically last for seven years to a lifetime, while lower eyelid procedures need to only be done once.
To be considered a good candidate for blepharoplasty you should:
• Be in overall good mental and physical health
• Be 35 years old or older
• Maintain realistic expectations
If you're experiencing problems with your peripheral vision due to the skin over the upper eyelid protruding over the eyelashes, then you may also be benefit from an eyelid lift.
How is the Procedure Preformed?
In cases where both the upper and lower eyelids are reconstructed during the same surgery, a local anesthesia is administered with an oral sedation. Generally, surgeons begin the procedure working on the upper eyelids. An incision is made following the eyelids' natural lines. The skin is then separated from underlying tissue through the incision. Excessive fat, muscle and skin is then removed. Once the desired results are achieved, the incision is closed with tiny stitches. The stitches usually remain in place between three to six days.
There are a couple of techniques that are used to perform lower eyelid procedures. The first technique being transconjunctival in which the incision is made inside the eyelid, leaving no visible scar after the surgery. Excess fat is removed through the incision to reconstruct eyelids. An erbium laser is then used to soften the skin's fine lines.
The other most common technique is the transcutaneous methodin which the incision is made along the margin of the eyelid. Excess skin, fat and muscle are removed through the incision. Incision lines typically vanish within a short period of time following the procedure.
Is Blepharoplasty Safe?
Eyelid surgeries are considered overall safe procedures, however, any surgical procedure requiring anesthesia there are associated risks. In addition to potential complications from anesthesia other risks may include:
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Dry eyes
• Inability to completely close the eyes
• Abnormal discoloration of the eyelids
• Abnormal folds of the skin surrounding the eyelid
• Possible loss of vision
It's also important to keep in mind that typically insurance doesn't cover eyelid surgery as it's considered a cosmetic procedure and not a medical necessity. If the vision is impaired due to drooping eyelids, however, insurance may cover the procedure in such cases, dependent upon the results of vision tests.
What's the Recovery Time?
Recovery time varies on individual patients and the procedures performed. Swelling and some bruising may be expected for a couple of weeks before subsiding with the use of ice packs. The overall recovery time is usually several weeks. Limitations include wearing contacts, bending over, and strenuous activity for a couple of weeks.
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