Eyelid Surgery or Blepharoplasty:
Is a technique used to correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. It uses a procedure that removes fat along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids to correct the features that make you look older and tired. It is done alone or can be performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift or a browlift.

Is Eyelid Surgery the choice for you?
This procedure works best for men and women over the age of 35 who are physically health and realistic in their expectations.  If droopy eyes or baggy eyelids run in your family you may want to have this procedure a little earlier. Certain health conditions can make this procedure a little more risky.

So if you have any of the following be sure to let your doctor know before the procedure.
ï Hypothyroidism
ï Hyperthyroidism
ï Dry eye or lack of tears (Sjorgen's syndrome)
ï High blood pressure
ï Cardiovascular disease
ï Diabetes
ï Detached retina
ï Glaucoma

Before Picture and After Picture
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Possible risks or side effects of eyelid surgery:

By selecting a qualified cosmetic surgeon, and closely following their instructions before and after the surgery, you can insure that your chances of complications are very low, and any that do occur are relatively minor.

You may experience some double vision or blurred vision and some swelling at the corner of the eyes. However, these are temporary symptoms that should be gone within a couple of days. Other more rare complications include difficulty closing your eyes after the surgery, and pulling down of the lower eyelid. If any of these are present a subsequent surgery may be required. Planning and preparing for your eyelid surgery. After selecting a qualified cosmetic surgeon, you will proceed to your initial onsultation. Here, the doctor will perform a complete medical exam.
 
It is important that you make the doctor aware of any health conditions you may have, if you use any types of drugs or medications, or if you smoke. The doctor will pay close attention to your eyes, testing your vision, tear production and examining any glasses or contact lenses you may use. This initial consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. Your surgeon will explain the techniques and anesthesia that he will use and whether all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones will be done.

Lastly, any questions or concerns you have will be addressed, in addition to an explanation of where the surgery will take place, the risks involved and the cost of the procedure. Your surgeon will give you precise instructions on what types of medications to take and not to take leading up to the day of your procedure. He or she will also give some additional lifestyle and diet recommendations that you should follow closely in order to minimize the potential for any adverse side effects to the surgery. The surgeon will also let you know if he feels that you should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you out for a few days.


Eyelid Surgery:

The procedure normally takes place in a surgeon's office facility but can also be done in a hospital. It is usually performed under a local anesthetic coupled with medication that will make you drowsy and relaxed - but awake - through the procedure. In some instances, a doctor may choose to perform the surgery with the patient under a general anesthetic, in which case you will be asleep of the entire procedure.
 
The surgery itself can take from one to three hours depending on how many eyelids will be done. The doctor will make incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids: in the creases of your upper eyelids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. This will minimize any visible scarring after the surgery. Working through these incisions, the surgeon then separates the skin from the underlying fatty tissue and muscle, removes excess fat, and trims any sagging skin and muscle that is present. He or she will then seal of the incisions with very small sutures.

After the surgery has been completed your surgeon will probably lubricate your eyes with ointment and apply a bandage of some sort. You may experience some tightness and soreness in your eyes at first which is normal and easily treatable with some prescription medication from your doctor.

Returning to normal activities ..

After the procedure you should try to keep your head elevated for several days, and to use a cold compress on your eyes and head in order to reduce and prevent any swelling or bruising that may occur. Any bruising that is present should completely disappear anywhere from two weeks to a month. You may find that your eyes are somewhat "gummy" and dry for the first few days, and your doctor might prescribe some eye drops and give you some instructions on how to clean your eyes at home. It is also normal to experience some blurring, double vision, itching, tearing and sensitivity to light in the days following your eyelid surgery. These will all subside within a few days. The stitches will be removed within a week and this will increase the speed of recovery from these symptoms even more. You will find that you will be able to do things like reading or watching television comfortably within a couple of days of your surgery. You should avoid more strenuous activities like bending, lifting, and sports for about three weeks. If you use contact lenses, you will be instructed to not where them for at least two weeks after this surgery since they may impede your recovery process. By one to two weeks you will be ready to go back to work and, depending on your surgeon's recommendations; you may be able to wear some makeup to hide any bruising that is still present. During the recovery process you may find that your eyes are more sensitive to sunlight and wind so be sure to wear sunglasses and eyelid sun block whenever you go out.


The New You ...

Along with the thousands of others who have had this simple procedure before you, you will find that the eyelid surgery will make you look more alert and youthful. This new rejuvenated you will last for many years and in some cases, the results are permanent.

Contributed by: www.zimmermanmd.com