Overview
The eyelid surgery also known as blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure for improving the appearance of the eyelids. Surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower lids or both. Whether you want to improve your appearance or if you are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, then the eyelid surgery can help rejuvenate the area surrounding your eyes.
- Excess fatty deposits which appear as puffiness in the eyelids
- Loose or sagging skin which creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid and in some cases impair the vision
- Drooping lower eyelids which reveal the white below the iris
- Bags under the eyes
- Excess skin and fine wrinkls of the lower eyelids
- Over time, the skin stretches, creases, sags and folds. Though it is a natural aging effect, it can be a medical problem when it happens to your eyelids as it can severely limit the peripheral or side vision
- Sagging eyelids that don’t just make you look younger but also affect your vision
Fortunately, the eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure done to remove the excess tissues and lifting the skin. This is a procedure done without a knife as we use the radio frequency to excise the excessive skin and not a scalpel. This is an important distinction as there is little to no bleeding.
The Causes of Sagging Eyelids
There are many causes of sagging eyelids such as it may be a genetic predisposition in the family. Sometimes, the lifestyle and environment can cause this problem. People who work outside for many years may experience drooping eyelids.
Another contributing factor is age as over a period of time, the movements we make with our eyes such as squinting, blinking and facial expressions take their toll. The facial aging begins with crow’s feet and wrinkles on the side of the eyes which start to extend across the lower eyelid and into the upper eyelid. The skin becomes lax and the muscles begin to weaken, eventually the eyes will have a hooded appearance. The lower eyelids also being to sag and create permanent bags which cause the person to appear tired all the time. At first you may notice that the sagging eyelids interfere with your vision. This is a gradual process which happen over a period of time.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Most patients request their eyelids to be corrected as their eyes look closed and tired and they are also losing their superior visual fields described as hooding. The patients may mention that the skin on the upper lid presses right on their lashes. The doctor will first conduct a visual field test with and without a tape. This is a map of the peripheral vision using a machine to measure the visual field. Patients are tested twice. During the second time, the lids will be taped up simulating post-surgical results. The doctor will take the ocular photos of the eyelids individually as well as together.
If the medical diagnosis for sagging eyelids is made, then the office contacts the patient’s insurance to get clearance for their eyelid surgery. This insurance will cover the operation as long as the problem is interfering with the vision of the patient.
The surgical procedure is actually not length as it takes only about 20 minutes. Patients will be sedated and will be need transportation back home. Although a certain degree of swelling is normal. The patients are given an antibiotic ointment and instructions in order to apply an icepack. They may be able to resume their normal activities within a couple of days. The white dissolvable sutures will be used to minimize any scarring. A post-op appointment will be there at 5 to 7 days after the procedure and a second post-op appointment will be done to evaluate the final results.
When Eyelid Surgery Is Not Recommended
However, not everyone is a candidate for eyelid surgery as good health is a prerequisite.
Source:
http://www.indianhealthguru.com/eyelids-blepharoplasty-surgery-india.html
