A blepharoplasty is either a cosmetic or functional surgical procedure, depending on whether the excess tissue poses a cosmetic problem or interferes with the patient’s visual function. The purpose of the blepharoplasty is to correct excess folds of skin called dermatochalasis and also eyebags, or to reduce lower lid festoons. Upper eyelid blefaroplasty The incision is made along the natural eyelid skin crease above the eyelashes ( a few millimetres from them). The height of this varies and it depends on each patient individually. Incisions are typically made in the upper eyelid skin crease, where they heal best and will remain well hidden. An elliptical piece of skin is removed using a blade. Then after careful examination of the surgical plan, the skin incision is closed using delicate sutures that are removed a few days later. A drooping brow ptosis or eyelid ptosis may be operated on during the same procedure. It is also possible that underlying fatty material may be removed during the process to get rid of upper bulges, particularly at the inner corner of the upper eyelid, which are called the medial fat bags. Post surgically there might appear swelling and possibly bruises on the lower eyelid due to gravity but one can return to his everyday activities after a few days. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty Patients with eyebags or lower lid skin laxity will benefit from a blepharoplasty. If a blepharoplasty is required, the incision is often done from the inside of the lower eyelid, which causes little swelling and leaves no scar visible on the outside.This is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The transconjunctival route is used if a small amount of fat is removed or repositioned into the tear trough. If skin is going to be removed from the lower eyelids themselves during blepharoplasty, a fine incision is made close to the eyelashes, known as an infra-lash incision. A lateral canthal canthopexy is often done at the lateral corner of the eye to strengthen and sharpen the lateral angle of the eyelids. Discreet sutures are used to close the skin incision, which heals well usually leaving no visible scar. The patient can return to his everyday activities within few days. |
