The Blepharoplasty Operation
Surgery on the eyelids may be done as an isolated operation or in conjunction with a facelift, brow lift, or other procedure (see Chapters 11-13). Both upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same operative setting; alternately, one pair of eyelids can be corrected as an isolated procedure. The procedure is almost always performed around both eyes.
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is typically done with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Some surgeons prefer to have a patient remain awake. Certain procedures, especially in the upper eyelids, can be done with local anesthesia in the office. However, lower-eyelid surgery and more invasive techniques may require deeper anesthesia.
Surgery …show more content…
Typically, a cutting CO2 laser is used to make the incision.. The procedures are essentially the same as those outlined for upper- and lower-lid blepharoplasty. However, the cutting is done with a laser rather than with knife and scissors. Proponents of laser blepharoplasty believe that there is less oozing, and therefore, less bruising and swelling after surgery.
Recovery
The most common complaints after blepharoplasty are oozing, crusting, swelling, bruising, dry eye, and pain. The pain or discomfort that develops as anesthesia wears off can be readily controlled with prescribed medication. Oozing and crusting may occur but can be limited with good care. After any form of blepharoplasty, using ice packs or ice-soaked gauze and elevating the head for the first 48-72 hours will help minimize swelling.
Bruising and swelling will develop within several hours of the procedure and usually peak at 48 to 72 hours. After surgery on all four eyelids, lids may swell to cause almost complete closure of the eyes. Usually by the fifth day, swelling will have resolved significantly. Bruising is variable, peaking anywhere between several days to a week after surgery. Resolution can be quite rapid over another several days, but it may take up to 10 to 14 days to
Surgery on the eyelids may be done as an isolated operation or in conjunction with a facelift, brow lift, or other procedure (see Chapters 11-13). Both upper and lower eyelids can be corrected at the same operative setting; alternately, one pair of eyelids can be corrected as an isolated procedure. The procedure is almost always performed around both eyes.
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is typically done with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Some surgeons prefer to have a patient remain awake. Certain procedures, especially in the upper eyelids, can be done with local anesthesia in the office. However, lower-eyelid surgery and more invasive techniques may require deeper anesthesia.
Surgery …show more content…
Typically, a cutting CO2 laser is used to make the incision.. The procedures are essentially the same as those outlined for upper- and lower-lid blepharoplasty. However, the cutting is done with a laser rather than with knife and scissors. Proponents of laser blepharoplasty believe that there is less oozing, and therefore, less bruising and swelling after surgery.
Recovery
The most common complaints after blepharoplasty are oozing, crusting, swelling, bruising, dry eye, and pain. The pain or discomfort that develops as anesthesia wears off can be readily controlled with prescribed medication. Oozing and crusting may occur but can be limited with good care. After any form of blepharoplasty, using ice packs or ice-soaked gauze and elevating the head for the first 48-72 hours will help minimize swelling.
Bruising and swelling will develop within several hours of the procedure and usually peak at 48 to 72 hours. After surgery on all four eyelids, lids may swell to cause almost complete closure of the eyes. Usually by the fifth day, swelling will have resolved significantly. Bruising is variable, peaking anywhere between several days to a week after surgery. Resolution can be quite rapid over another several days, but it may take up to 10 to 14 days to