Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a procedure to correct problems that are a result of aging. As a skilled plastic surgeon in Toronto Dr. Zorn can also correct inherited traits such as under eye bags that cause some patients to seek treatment in their 20s or 30s. If the upper eyelid condition is accompanied by sagging of the eyebrows, then a forehead lift may be recommended. Smoothing of crow's feet may require Botox, chemical peeling or laser resurfacing procedures. Circles beneath the eyes caused by dark pigmentation may be treated with a bleaching solution or chemical peel. Alternately, sinking around the bony orbit below the eye can be addressed with fat grafting.
High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are some of the conditions that can increase the risks of eyelid surgery. Your surgeon will ask if you have allergies and if so, how they affect your eyes. We will also need to know if you have been told that you have "dry eye" or any other eye problems.
The surgeon will discuss two different approaches to lower lid surgery: one uses an external incision and the other is performed from inside the lower lid. Your age and the extent of the fatty deposits you have will determine which approach is used.
EYE LIFT PROCEDURE
An incision is hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid for upper eyelid surgery and it is through this incision that excess skin and fat are removed. Because the incision follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid, it will be well camouflaged when it is healed. For lower lid surgery the incision is usually hidden below the lower lashes. Through this incision, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. Fat may also be redistributed to eliminate puffiness or bulges. Other adjustments such as eyelid suspension may be made to correct special problems such as lower eyelid laxity.
You and your surgeon may decide that the best approach for removing excess lower eyelid fat is a technique that needs no external incision. This procedure is called transconjunctival lower Blepharoplasty. While it is a good approach for younger patients, it cannot be used to remove excess skin so a laser may be used in conjunction with this method to tighten the skin under the eyes.
EYELID SURGERY SIDE EFFECTS
After your surgery, you may have a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye. This may require treatment. There is also a chance of a temporary reduction in eyelid sensation or impaired eyelid function. Impaired lid function can be treated with additional surgery.
EYELID SURGERY RISKS
Mild swelling persists for several weeks in some cases while others see swelling resolve in just seven days. Bruising normally disappears in seven to ten days and you may use makeup within the first week to hide discoloration.
You may find your eyes are temporarily sensitive to light. You may also experience some excess tearing or dryness. Your surgeon may recommend eye drops to relieve burning or itching. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from the wind and sun.
The incision lines will fade over several months until they become barely visible.
LOWER EYE LID SURGERY
Lower eye lid surgery can address the aging of the lower eyelids.
LOWER EYE LID SURGERY CONSULTATION
The best approach for removing excess fat is a technique can either be through external or trans-conjunctival incision. Each method has its own pros and cons. We will suggest to you which method best suits your condition.
LOWER EYE LID SURGERY SIDE EFFECTS
There may be a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye. This may require treatment. There is also a chance of a temporary reduction in eyelid sensation or impaired eyelid function. For the first week after surgery, there may be a cause of some swelling, bruising, and discoloration. Following the instructions for post-operative care is necessary for a satisfactory healing process.
LOWER EYE LID SURGERY RISKS
Impaired lid function may be treated with additional surgery. Mild swelling persists for several weeks in some cases while others see swelling subside in just seven days. Bruising usually disappears in seven to ten days and makeup can be used in the first week to hide discoloration.
You may find that your eyes are temporarily sensitive to light. You may also experience some excess tearing or dryness. We may recommend using eye drops to relieve burning or itching. You may want to wear dark sunglasses for a couple of weeks to protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure. The incision lines will fade over several months until they become barely visible.
High blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes are some of the conditions that can increase the risks during eyelid surgery. You should inform us if you have allergies, or if you have been told that you have "dry eye" or any other eye problems.
Unfortunately, mistakes occur quite commonly with double fold surgeries even though it is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. It's easy to make a double fold, but it's difficult to make a double fold which is unartifical and beautiful. Many people don't really consider their plastic surgeon's skill or experience before the operation. Sometimes they need a reoperation on their double fold. An unartifical double fold makes facial features look attractive and natural but an artificial double fold ruins the facial appearance.
LOWER EYE LID SURGERY RECOVERY
Although you should be up and about in a day, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair within two days, or as soon as the bandage is removed.
You should be back to work within 7 days to 10 days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks. This includes jogging, bending, heavy housework, sex or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be avoided for several months. The fading of incisions will occur within 6 months.
For the first few days after the Asian double eyelid surgery, the new crease will most likely look a bit higher than where one would imagine it should be. However, over the course of the next month or two, the crease will settle into the location the surgeon intended it to.
While some swelling, bruising, and discoloration can be expected for the week or so after the Asian blepharoplasty procedure, following the surgeon’s post-operative directions for eyelid surgery recovery will minimize these side effects and help the eyelids heal quicker.
For some, the recovery process can seem long and they may become depressed, especially in the early stages of recovery when their faces appear swollen and bruised. But after a few weeks most patients begin to notice a welcome change in their appearance. The results of eyelid surgery – eyes that look younger and more alert – remind patients why they chose to undergo the procedure in the first place.