BLEPHAROPLASTY
(eyelid plastic surgery)

Questions and Answers

Factors such as age, skin texture, visual acuity disturbances, emotional problems, etc., may leave their mark in the eyelid area. During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will carry out an in-depth evaluation to determine and select those areas that can benefit from the surgery.

In many cases, the eyelid problem is caused by clinical factors (e.g. dark under-eye circles, edemas, etc.) and surgery is not indicated. In other cases, clinical conditions are associated with the surgical problem, so that even if the operation is performed properly, there will be a residual of the pre-existent problem, caused by its associated clinical condition.

Eyelid plastic surgery only corrects excess fat and skin, and muscle flaccidity in the eyelid area and, in certain cases, can provide not only aesthetic, but also functional improvement for the patient. On the other hand, no functional impairment will result, provided the surgery is followed by a normal post-operative period.

The following are commonly asked questions regarding this surgery:
 
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· Q: IS THERE AN IDEAL AGE FOR EYELID SURGERY?

· A: Rather than an ideal age, there is the ideal timing. The opportunity arises when the problem to be corrected has been determined to be present. Eyelid surgery is usually performed on individuals over thirty.

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· Q: ARE THE SCARS VISIBLE? WHERE ARE THEY PLACED?

· A: Since the skin of the eyelids is very thin, the scars are likely to be hidden in their natural creases, becoming nearly invisible three months after surgery, when healing is completed. The wearing of light makeup may be resumed a few days following surgery to help camouflage the scars.

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· Q: WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED?

· A: Since blepharoplasty is a minor surgery, most operations are performed using local anesthetics (in some instances, with previous sedation), or a general anesthetic at the patient’s request. If local anesthesia is clinically contraindicated, or blepharoplasty is being done in conjunction with other surgeries, then general anesthesia should be used.

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· Q: IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD PAINFUL?

· A: Not usually. You may feel an increase in sensitivity or have minor fits of pain, but common analgesics can relieve any discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe proper pain medication. Do not do any self-medication.

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· Q: IS THERE MUCH SWELLING OF THE EYE AREA? HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

· A: The edema (swelling) varies with the individuals. Some patients will have a quite natural look in four to five days, while others will be presentable after the eighth day following surgery. Eyelid swelling is at its maximum for the first three days post-operatively. The wearing of sunglasses may be of help in this phase, and the use of cold compresses will minimize the swelling. It usually takes three months for the residual edema to go unnoticed.

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· Q: WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF STAY IN THE HOSPITAL OR CLINIC?

· A: Local anesthesia: 4 to 8 hours. General anesthesia: 24 hours.

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· Q: HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

· A: The surgical procedure usually takes approximately ninety minutes, but some details may prolong it, depending on the individual patient. However, the operating time should not be confused with the length of stay in the Surgery Center, which also involves both preparation for anesthesia and post-operative recovery. Your surgeon can tell you the total amount of time.

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· Q: WHAT ARE THE “PURPLE OR REDDISH BLEMISHES” NOTICED IN CERTAIN CASES?

· A: They are no more than blood that has collected in the skin underneath, and even in the conjunctiva as well, due to surgical trauma. This is not a complication but simply a short-term side effect of surgery that will not constitute any problem in the future.

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· Q: WHEN WILL I HAVE THE DEFINITE RESULT?

· A: After the third month. However, an estimated twenty-five percent of the desired result will be achieved just after the eighth day. Thereafter, significant improvement is likely to continue for 2 or 3 weeks.

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· Q: WILL THE EYES BE PATCHED SHUT AFTER SURGERY?

· A: Not necessarily. Alternatively, it is recommended that cold compresses be applied to the eyelids for a few minutes several times a day, at the patient’s discretion, for the prophylaxy of the edema. Some surgeons, however, prefer eye patching during the post-operative period.

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· Q: IS THE RESULT REALLY WORTH IT?

· A: If you have made a fully informed choice and the surgeon is capable of effecting the changes you desire, no doubt the result will be worth it. However, it is important to bear in mind that eyelid surgery alone cannot rejuvenate the entire face. Many patients expect such result – facial rejuvenation – from a blepharoplasty, but all a plastic surgeon can do is improve the appearance of the eyelid area by correcting its pre-existing aesthetic defects. Facial rejuvenation involves performing other surgeries in conjunction with blepharoplasty. Crow’s feet, however, are not completely eliminated. Even following the most successful operation, some vestiges will persist, due to the action of the orbicular muscle of the eye and loss in elasticity of the remaining skin.

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INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING BLEPHAROPLASTY

A) BEFORE SURGERY:

  • Arrive at the surgery facility (hospital or clinic) at the time marked down on your admission papers.
  • Inform your surgeon of any abnormality that occurs in your general condition up to the day before your admission.
  • Do not make yourself up on the day of your admission.
  • Bring a pair of sunglasses.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to admission if your surgery is on that same day.
  • Have someone come to the surgical facility with you on the day of your admission.

B) AFTER SURGERY:

  • Cold water compresses applied to the eyes may help resolve the edema and relieve post-operative discomfort.
  • You may resume your normal diet on the second day after surgery. Meat, milk, and eggs (proteins), as well as fruit (vitamins), are recommended.
  • Wear sunglasses when you are exposed to wind and natural light.
  • Avoid exposure to sunlight, wind, and cold for eight days.
  • Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
  • Return to your surgeon’s office for follow-up care on the prescribed dates.
  • Do not apply pressure to or rub your eyes.
  • Depending on your recovery rate, you may resume your normal activities 3-4 days after surgery.
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