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The Plastic Surgery Center
Sin El Fil - Horsh Tabet
Mkalles - Main Road
SAR Center- Al Rifaii Bldg
2nd Floor
Tel/Fax: +961-1-481512
Email: info@dreliegharios.com Mobile: +961-3-820103
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Dr Elie Gharios about
Blepharoplasty
| By:
Dr Elie F. GHARIOS
 Blepharoplasty
is the surgery to reduce the amount of excess tissue (fat and skin) around the
eyes. These changes can result in a tired or forelorn look, and many patients
complain that others notice "bags under my eyes" or ask "if I'm tired even though
I feel great". Some patients complain of an angry look or "scowl" due to heavy
skin creases in the forehead or between the eyes.
In most cases the right and
left eyelids are operated on at the same time.
However, it is not uncommon
to do only the upper eyelids or the lower eyelids, as the patient wishes.
This
procedure is sometimes performed in tandem with a facelift. It can also be combined
with laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel to smooth wrinkles or BOTOX injections
to prevent further wrinkling.
What happens during the procedure?
The
procedure is usually performed in the office or in an outpatient surgical center
under local anesthesia. Blepharoplasty takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours for both upper
and lower lids. If you are having another procedure such as a facelift at the
same time, then overnight hospitalization may be required.
The two most common
methods of performing lower eyelid blepharoplasty are: the traditional approach
and transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The goal is to remove sagging skin and fat
from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
For the upper lids, the surgeon makes
the incision right in the upper lid skin crease above your eylashes, so it is
very well hidden. Excess skin is removed. Then the excess fat is removed as needed.
The incision is sewn together with very small suture and usually heals quickly
with a very good scar.
The same occurs for the lower lids. Here the surgeon
can make an incision either right under the eyelashes or inside the lid so there
is no skin incision. It depends on whether skin needs to be removed, and other
factors. In either case, the incision is very well hidden. Again, fat is removed
as needed.
What to expect post-procedure
 Thin
sterile bandages will be applied to the incision area after the surgery but is
not in the case of transconjunctival blepharoplasty. An ointment to prevent dryness
of the area may be applied but it is not necessary for the eyes to be covered.
Some swelling and bruising is to be expected and while it reaches its peak in
the first week, it can last for over two weeks. The extent of the post-operative
swelling and bruising is dependent on whether you tend to bruise or swell easily.
The
amount you can expect varies for each individual but past surgeries or injuries
should be a good indication. Keep your head elevated, above the level of your
heart, when lying down. Applying cold compresses, or small ice packs will reduce
swelling and relieve discomfort. Many patients use a water-tight plastic sandwich
bag filled with an ounce of frozen berries or peas. Regular icing is the key to
relieving the swelling.
How soon does normal life resumes?
Most
people feel ready to go out in public and be seen in a week to 10 days. By then,
depending on your rate of healing, a little make-up should be sufficient to camouflage
the bruising.
Because the eye area will be sensitive to sun, wind, and other
irritants for several weeks, sunglasses and a special sunblock made for eyelids
should be worn when going out. After five days, you should be able to return to
normal activities but for the first three or four weeks after surgery, you should
avoid any activity that increases blood flow to the eyes, including bending, lifting,
crying and exercise or sports.
Healing is a gradual process, and although
your scars can remain slightly pink for six months after surgery, they should
eventually fade to a thin, barely visible white line. |
| Dr Elie
GHARIOS
Plastic Surgery Center - Lebanon
Horsh-Tabet - F. Chehab Av.
SAR
Center (Al Rifai Bldg)
2nd Floor | | info@dreliegharios.com |
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