Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is performed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids and lower eyelids, which gives a better and rejuvenated appearance to the eyes. As a person ages, his eyes may have excess fatty deposits which create a puffiness in the upper eyelids, or he may have bags under his eyes or wrinkles and droopiness of the lower eyelids. Apart from these, there may be loose or sagging skin that creates folds. All this can be cured by plastic surgery. It makes the person satisfied and confident of his appearance and boosts his self-esteem.

The first criterion is to research and find a surgeon who is certified, experienced and has case histories of successful surgeries. If the patient has confidence in the surgeon, it is half those battle won. The patient must be in good physical condition and mentally prepared for the surgery. He must have realistic goals and not expect too much from the surgery. If there is any medical condition or history, the patient should tell the doctor before the surgery. If he has high blood pressure, thyroid problems if he is a smoker or has any eye problem, it should be corrected or proper medications taken for it before the patient goes in for the operation.

Any allergies or previous surgeries should also be told to the doctor who will be making a thorough physical examination before performing the surgery. Though most of the blepharoplasty procedures are done on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia, it is always better to have a companion during the procedure and during the recovery for at least twenty-four hours.

On the day of the surgery, the patient will be administered anesthesia, and suitable incision will be made on the area of the surgery. The skin or the fatty tissues will be removed and the incision closed with sutures or adhesives. The eye will then be bandaged (the whole eye need not be covered) for some time till the swelling and the puffiness disappear. After the bandages are removed the patient will be allowed to go home. He will be given some ointment to be put on the incision and some eye drops to be used to combat dryness. Blepharoplasty patients may recover completely in a week or so and can then resume normal duties.

Every year one hundred thousand people undergo eye lid surgeries successfully and this is inclusive of cosmetic and medical purposes.