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 eyelid, minimize bags under the eyes and tighten the lower eyelid skin. The result is a more alert and rested appearance.

You’ll find basic information about eyelid surgery in this brochure. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to have a personal consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of plastic surgery.

Is cosmetic eyelid surgery right for me ?

Eyelid surgery is performed on men and women of all ages who wants to improve their self-image. Most people have eyelid surgery to minimize the effects of aging. However, many people in their 20s or 30s may also benefit from the procedure.

You may be a good candidate foe eyelid surgery if you have any of the following conditions :

• 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.

a) Eyelid puffiness, drooping upper lids or fine wrinkles around the eyelid can make people appear tired, sad, older then they feel.

Upper eyelids

Typically, the incision begins within the natural crease of the eye’s inside corner into the crow’s feet or laugh lines. Though this incisions excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. The incisions line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, and is camouflaged when healed.

Eyelid surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions :

• Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or Graves disease
• Lower eyelids that droop significantly and reveal the white beneath the iris ( the eye’s colored portion)
• Eye problems, such as “dry eye,” a detached retina or glaucoma
• High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes.

It’s important to let your plastic surgeon know if you have any of these problems.
What should I expect from the consultation ?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering eyelid surgery. During this meeting, your plastic surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about :

• previous surgeries
• past and current medical conditions
• medications you are taking, including herbal remedies and nutritional supplements
• allergies, especially those that affect your eyes.\

As part of the consultation, your surgeon will assess the amount of excess fat and skin in your eyelid areas, the position of your eyebrows, and the condition of the muscles around your eyelids.

Your plastic surgeon may suggest other cosmetic treatment to meet your appearance goals. For example :

• A sagging brow can be tightened and smoothed with a forehead lift
• Crow’s feet near the eyes can be minimized with a chemical peel or laser resurfacing
• Dark circles beneath the eyes that can’t be helped by blepharoplasty can be treated with a bleaching medication, chemical peel or laser treatment.
• Lower-eyelid muscle tone can be improves with additional eyelid surgery.

How is cosmetic eyelid surgery performed ?

The specific method used for your eyelid surgery will be determined by your features and your surgeon’s preferences.

Usually the incision is concealed just below the lower lashes. Though 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.

Your surgeon 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. Laser resurfacing or chemical peel is sometimes used in conjunction with this procedure to minimize fine wrinkles near the eyes.

b) typically, incision are made following your eye area’s natural lines and creases and will be well camoufkaged when healed.
c) Excess fat is removed or redistributed
d) After surgery, eyelids no longer droop and the skin under the eyes smooth and firm
How will I learn about the safety of cosmetic eyelid surgery ?

Ecah year, thousand of people undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery and experience no major complications.however, you must fully understand the risks as well as the benefits of the procedure.

One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and your surgeon will have about the possible complications of eyelids surgery. In addition to listening carefully to what your surgeon tells you, be sure to raise any question or concerns that you may have about the safety of the procedure.

Be carefully following your surgeon’s advice and instructions- both before and after surgery – you can do your part to minimize some of the risks.

What can I do prepare for my surgery ?

When the date for your procedure has been set, your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including :

• avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
• stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery’
• arranging for help and special care following surgery

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery ?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office based surgical suite.
Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are used for patients undergoing eyelid surgery. However, for some patients, general anesthesia may be the best choice. With either type, you’ll remain very comfortable throughout the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery.

How will I look and feel after surgery ?

When surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area. 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 begins 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 dissolve or be removed.
• You may resume most of your normal (nonstrenuous ) 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.

What should I know about my result ?

if you’re like most people who have the procedure you’ll very pleased with your new refreshed and alert appearance. You may find that you feel more confident in business and social situations. Friends and colleagues may tell you that you appear happier or more rested, without realizing that you had eyelid surgery.