Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Right for You?
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Helps You Look Better
The eyelid is divided into two distinct parts, the upper and lower eyelids. Although the most obvious function of the upper eyelid as well as lower eyelid is to protect the eye and to help distribute the tears which help to maintain the health of the surfaces of the eyeball, the upper eyelids are particularly important while we are looking straight ahead. This is because they largely determine the position of the tear film on the front of the eye and in the same way as a dirty windscreen can blur the vision when driving, so any irregularities in the tearing process caused by problems with the eyelids or the way the eyes work together can blur the vision. If you have too much skin in your upper eyelid, it can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of the upper part of your vision. The medical term used to describe this is ‘dermatochalasis’. On the other hand, if the muscles which lift the upper eyelids, called the levator muscles, become stretched and looser, the upper eyelids can also hang down and this can be bad enough to cause a condition called ‘ptosis’ when it actually blocks the upper part of your vision. The lower eyelids can also cause significant problems with the eyes. If there is a laxity of the lower eyelid which can occur with increasing age, the lower eyelids can start to fall away from the eye. As a result, the tears that the eyes produce to keep the eye moist and healthy can drain away too quickly and leave the eyes dry and uncomfortable. This can also make the eyes more liable to catching infections. On top of this, the lower eyelid muscles can become weak and loose and when this happens, the lower eyelids can evert outwards and cause a turning out of the lower lids called ‘ectropion’. This can lead to a variety of problems including the area around the eye becoming inflamed and uncomfortable and the eye itself becoming dry and sore. As a general rule of thumb, the more of the white part of the eye that is seen, the more severe the ectropion. On the other hand, a ‘convergence spasm’ may develop if the lower lid and the punctum turn in and cause the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This means that mild irritation can cause the eyelid to twitch and tighten up, leading to the upper and lower lids turning in and the vision becoming blurred.
Medically Necessary Eyelid Surgery Helps You See Better
The eyelid is divided into two distinct parts, the upper and lower eyelids. Although the most obvious function of the upper eyelid as well as lower eyelid is to protect the eye and to help distribute the tears which help to maintain the health of the surfaces of the eyeball, the upper eyelids are particularly important while we are looking straight ahead. This is because they largely determine the position of the tear film on the front of the eye and in the same way as a dirty windscreen can blur the vision when driving, so any irregularities in the tearing process caused by problems with the eyelids or the way the eyes work together can blur the vision. If you have too much skin in your upper eyelid, it can hang over the eyelashes and get in the way of the upper part of your vision. The medical term used to describe this is ‘dermatochalasis’. On the other hand, if the muscles which lift the upper eyelids, called the levator muscles, become stretched and looser, the upper eyelids can also hang down and this can be bad enough to cause a condition called ‘ptosis’ when it actually blocks the upper part of your vision. The lower eyelids can also cause significant problems with the eyes. If there is a laxity of the lower eyelid which can occur with increasing age, the lower eyelids can start to fall away from the eye. As a result, the tears that the eyes produce to keep the eye moist and healthy can drain away too quickly and leave the eyes dry and uncomfortable. This can also make the eyes more liable to catching infections. On top of this, the lower eyelid muscles can become weak and loose and when this happens, the lower eyelids can evert outwards and cause a turning out of the lower lids called ‘ectropion’. This can lead to a variety of problems including the area around the eye becoming inflamed and uncomfortable and the eye itself becoming dry and sore. As a general rule of thumb, the more of the white part of the eye that is seen, the more severe the ectropion. On the other hand, a ‘convergence spasm’ may develop if the lower lid and the punctum turn in and cause the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This means that mild irritation can cause the eyelid to twitch and tighten up, leading to the upper and lower lids turning in and the vision becoming blurred.
Options for Eyelid Surgery
One common variation between upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty is what category of anesthesia is used. In upper eyelid surgery, local anesthesia is used for most patients along with oral sedation if desired. On the other hand, lower eyelid surgery is often performed under general anesthesia. Another important distinction is the recovery period for each option. The recovery time for lower eyelid surgery appears to be longer than that for upper eyelid surgery. In most cases, sutures are removed after four to five days after lower eyelid surgery and a patient can expect to return to most activities after one to two weeks. On the other hand, people typically return to work or school within three to seven days for upper eyelid surgery. It is important to understand that everyone’s anatomy and needs are different. It is vital to discuss your situation with a professional, in order to make a well-informed decision about your surgery.
Choosing a Surgeon for Your Blepharoplasty
When you decide to have a blepharoplasty, one of the most critical decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. It is essential to choose a surgeon who has the right qualifications and plenty of experience for the best results, and to make sure you are not putting your health in jeopardy. Firstly, you should check if your surgeon is registered with a recognized body, such as the General Medical Council in the UK. This means they have the necessary training, skills, and experience to carry out cosmetic surgery safely and effectively. All reputable clinics and hospitals will require their surgeons to be registered, and if your surgeon is not, then you should seek treatment elsewhere. Also, it is a good idea to check if your surgeon is a member of the British Oculoplastic Surgery Society. These surgeons specialize in eyelid surgery and must pass strict examinations to be members. So, if your surgeon is a member, then it is likely they have specific training and will keep up to date in this area of surgery. These are well-respected professional organizations with a focus on patient safety. Before any treatment, a good surgeon will ask about your reasons for wanting an operation and ensure you have thought about other options. Surgeons should use the consultation to give you information about the procedure, the risks, and the likely outcomes. This is so you can decide whether you want to go ahead with the operation. Any surgeon that rushes you or does not communicate well should not be considered for a blepharoplasty. Surgeons who practice in line with the Good Medical Practice guidelines, which outline the standards of professional behavior, are likely to prioritize patient care and are trustworthy. These guidelines state that you must provide a good standard of practice and care, make the care of your patient your first concern, and respect patients’ right to privacy and dignity. All consultants and plastic surgeons who practice in the UK must work in line with these. Surgeons who work for reputable clinics and adhere to this high standard of care will often be allowed practicing privileges in these hospitals. So, doing some research to see if your surgeon operates in a respected hospital can aid in finding the best possible surgeon for your blepharoplasty. Whether a good surgeon is a consultant at a local hospital or has practicing privileges at a specialist private clinic, these are positive signs that can help give you confidence in their abilities. So, when considering surgeons for a blepharoplasty, checking they are registered, as well as their professional memberships and hospital links, can help reassure patients that they are in safe hands with a good standard of care. Choosing the right surgeon for your blepharoplasty can be stressful, but this is such a significant decision in the process. By ensuring that your surgeon can demonstrate the appropriate expertise, knowledge, and understanding of safety and quality, as well as creating an environment where you feel comfortable and are treated with respect and understanding, the process will be a lot less daunting. A good surgeon will understand the weight of your decision and should never put you in a position where you feel pressured when considering a blepharoplasty. Surgeons that communicate effectively and are able to make a connection with their patients will work to provide the best care and the best results possible.
How Long Do Blepharoplasty Results Last?
Usually, blepharoplasty is considered a permanent procedure, and most people are done with this surgery for life. This is because blepharoplasty is done on the fat pads and excess skin of the eyelids, and when these are removed, they do not “come back” or grow again. However, the aging process does not stop, so the skin will continue to age and there might be some changes. For most people, the results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting. Upper eyelid surgery can last at least 5-7 years and often much longer, while lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated. If the skin continues to sag over time, some people may decide to have a forehead lift or a facelift in addition to blepharoplasty. These procedures can help raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases around the eyes and on the forehead. For patients who had the surgery to remove fat for puffiness, or “bags” under the eyes, the results may be more permanent. As people age, it is normal to lose some of the firmness of the skin. This makes the fat under the skin appear more prominent, even in people who have normally thin fat in this area. However, blepharoplasty removes this fat and the fat does not “grow back” after it is removed, and the protruding appearance is fixed. Even if weight is gained, no more fat accumulates in the area where it was removed. As for those who had the surgery to remove excess skin on the upper eyelids, the results will also be more permanent. Excess skin makes the normal crease line of the upper eyelids appear lower or creates a “hooded” appearance. This excess skin, when dermatochalasis is present, will not return after it is removed. The crease line is actually moved and reshaped during the procedure, and the resulting scar hides at the new crease location so it is not noticeable. So for people who have received this surgery and wonder how long does blepharoplasty last, the answer will be typically between 5-7 years. And for many people, the results are even more permanent. This is why it is important for both surgeons and patients to carefully assess when the right time is for someone to proceed with blepharoplasty.
