Traditional lower lid blepharoplasty; an incision is made beneath the lower lash line. Excess fat and skin are removed. Fine sutures are used to minimize scarring. Stitches will be removed within 5 days after the procedure. If you have fat beneath your lower eyelids, causing puffiness but do not have any loose skin, your surgeon may recommend a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with fatty lower eyelids. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty does not tighten the skin but reduces the puffiness in the lower eyelid region. Some surgeons now also do this procedure with laser.
Pre Operative Care:
Inform your surgeon of any allergies, medical conditions, and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription ) Do not take any blood thinning medication such as aspirin for 2 weeks prior to surgery and also avoid smoking for 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Hospital Admission:
This depends on you and your surgeon. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed as an out patient in the hospital, or in the surgical suite under either general or local anesthesia.
Anesthetic: General or Local Anesthesia.
Post - operative Care:
The first evening after surgery, you should rest quietly with your head elevated. It will help to apply a cold compresses to your eyelids. Do not put pressure on your eyes and when applying a cold pack. You should be monitored to avoid bleeding complications that can affect your future vision. And, although you may feel you can get up almost immediately, you should limit your activities.
For the first week after surgery, you will need to avoid an activity that dry or tires the eyes, this includes any strenuous activities on your eyes such as reading, watching television, or using a computer. You should also wear sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun. If you use contact lenses avoid them during the healing process. Your eyes may tire easily for several weeks; frequent naps may be helpful and increase the healing process.
For the first month, you should avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes; this includes bending, lifting, and sports. Avoid placing yourself in any emotional situation where you may cry as this will also affect your recovery. Your surgeon will let you know when you are ready to resume normal activities. Also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, which can lead to fluid retention and delay recovery.
Results:
This procedure will make your eyes look brighter, larger, and more youthful. In some people this procedure will improve vision by removing the excessive skin of the upper eyelids which can hang down and interfere with peripheral vision.
Recovery:
Initially after surgery your eyes will be red and lumpy. As the healing process takes affect the scarring should settle and fade. Swelling and bruising varies considerably from person to person. Bruising gradually disappears within the fortnight. You may be permitted to use makeup, if desired, to conceal any discoloration after the first week, or when your surgeon gives you the clearance.
Your vision may be blurry for the first week, and temporarily sensitive to light, you may also experience discomfort and may receive eye drops to help relieve any irritations which are normal during the recovery period. You should remain in Thailand for 2 weeks after surgery to allow your surgeon to monitor your progress.
Risks and Complications:
• Lagging of the lower eyelid after surgery because of poor function of eyelid before surgery. This can be reduced by exercising eyelid muscle before surgery.
• Bleeding behind the eye - rare, but can be serious. Symptoms may include loss of vision.
• Temporary problems with excessive tearing.
• Decreased sensation in the eyelid.
• Dry eyes - dryness, burning, stinging, gritty sensation in your eye(s).
• Prominence or firmness of the scars.
• Blurred vision asymmetry in healing or scarring.
• Whiteheads where the sutures were removed.
• Difficulty closing eyes completely; in rare cases, this condition may be permanent.
