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Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty) is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove
excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, and if indicated,
fat. This surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your
eyes - features that can make you appear less rested and older than you
feel. This procedure will not eliminate or remove crow's feet, dark circles
under your eyes or elevate a drooping eyebrow. Blepharoplasty can be done
alone or in conjunction with other facial surgeries such as facelifts or
browlifts.
A few medical conditions make eyelid surgery more risky. They include:
thyroid problems, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure,
cardiac disease and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also
reason for caution; check with your ophthalmologist prior to surgery.
The complications from eyelid surgery are infrequent and usually minor.
Minor complications following eyelid surgery include double or blurred vision
for a few days, temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids, and a slight
asymmetry in healing or scarring. Following surgery, some patients may
encounter difficulty closing their eyes fully during sleep.
Incisions follow the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your
upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. Through these
incisions the skin is separated from underlying fatty tissue and muscle and
excess fat is removed if indicated. Often, sagging muscle and skin are also
trimmed through this incision.
If you have only excessive fat in your lower eyelids and no skin excision is
required Dr. Semlacher will most probably perform a Transconjunctival
Blepharoplasty. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower
eyelid, leaving no external, visible scar.
After surgery, Dr. Semlacher will lubricate your eyes with ointment. Your
eyelids may feel tight and sore but your discomfort should be easily
controlled with the prescribed pain medication.
You will be instructed to keep your head elevated for several days, and to
use cold compresses to reduce swelling and bruising.
Most people feel ready to go out in public in a week to 10 days. By then
you will be able to wear makeup to hide the bruising. You may be
sensitive to sunlight and other irritants for several weeks, so you should
wear sunglasses and a sunblock made for eyelids.
After surgery, your upper eyelids will no longer droop and the skin under
your eyes will be smooth and firm. The positive effects of your eyelid
surgery will be a more youthful, alert appearance.
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