The first thing people usually notice about one another is the eyes. A common expression is “seeing eye to eye”. Another is that “eyes are the windows to our souls”. By looking at someone’s eyes, we can usually tell if they’re happy, sad or even, frightened. But, it’s not just the eyes themselves that are expressive. It’s also our eyelids and brows that help project the emotions we’re feeling.
For many people, the most frustrating sign of aging is the change they see around their eyes. They exercise regularly and are physically fit. However, the skin around their eyelids is sagging from dermatochalasis and the eyelids themselves are drooping as a result of ptosis.
When they look in the mirror, they don’t see the lean and toned body – they see old eyes looking back at them. Although their vision may not be affected by these problems, they don’t like what they see in the mirror. If you are one of these people, you no longer have to accept these visible signs of aging.
Today, there are surgical and non-surgical options for cosmetic eye procedures. Although purely cosmetic procedures are usually not covered by insurance, today’s ocular plastic surgeons offer cost effective treatments to improve your appearance. This section will deal with the most common surgical treatment for aging eyelids – called blepharoplasty.
Before a surgical procedure such as blepharoplasty, your ocular plastic surgeon will undertake a complete visual inspection of your eye and eyelid. This will be done as part of a comprehensive eye exam that will also include:
It is important that your ophthalmologist have a complete understanding of the overall health of your eyes and your vision.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Both dermatochalasis and ptosis are treated in a minor outpatient procedure called blepharoplasty, the medical term for eyelid surgery. Our board certified ophthalmologist who has also done a fellowship in Ocular Plastic Surgery performs this surgical treatment – to achieve the best acceptable cosmetic and functional result.
During this procedure at our conveniently located Plymouth Laser and Surgical Center (PLSC), you will feel little or no discomfort. On the day of treatment, a PLSC staff member will welcome you.
The staff will help you prepare for your surgery by putting eye drops in your eye. You will be given a gown to wear over your street clothes during your actual surgery.
You may be given a relaxing sedative along with local anesthetic. An injection will also be given around the eye for comfort. Usually self-dissolving stitches will be used to close the incision. In most cases, no eye patch is used.
During the procedure, your ocular plastic surgeon will remove excess skin and fat from your eyelids. In addition, he will tighten the connecting tendons and muscles to improve the function of the eyelid. This process will improve both the cosmetic appearance and function of the eyelids.
Immediately after the surgery, you will rest in a comfortable reclining chair. Your family members may then join you in reviewing your follow-up care and schedule. You may be given medication or eyedrops to prevent infection.
Your eye may appear to be slightly bruised and swollen following the surgery. However, this should not cause significant discomfort. Your surgeon will follow-up with you to monitor healing, and check for signs of inflammation and infection.
Some potential complications from surgery include the risk of bleeding, infection and hematoma, which can usually be successfully treated. In addition, a small number of patients may have temporary or permanent difficulty in fully closing their lids when they sleep. In such cases, special ointments or drops may be used to maintain lubrication in the eye.
Most patients, who are dissatisfied with the way dermatochalasis and/or ptosis affect their appearance, believe the cosmetic and functional benefits from blepharoplasty outweigh these risks.
