Eyelid Surgery - Blepharoplasty

As we all know, the eyes are a prominent facial feature. Although the eyes are expressionless structures, the surrounding skin conveys emotion. The tissue, muscle, fat, hair, and lashes all contribute to the wide array of expressions. Unfortunately, wrinkles and deep lines as well as puffiness under the lids develop as you age. In addition, exposure to the sun as well as hereditary factors contributes to the aging process, all resulting in changes of expression. In many cases, people may look fatigued, worn out, and older than their true age. Beyond possible visual impairment, these changes in your appearance can cause stress and anxiety.

Dr. Afshar is trained in several surgical procedures, such as blepharoplasty, forehead lift, and brow lift in order to eliminate the majority of these problems.

Before Surgery

To better understand your overall health, we will evaluate your medical history prior to surgery. In addition, a complete examination of your eyes and face is made in order to take the most effective surgical approach. The amount, distribution, and type of excess skin to be removed are carefully reviewed.

Dr. Afshar will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.

The areas that will be excised are marked and digital photographs and computer imaging are performed in order to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.

Blepharoplasty

We can perform blepharoplasty to correct sagging eyelids, bags or pouches beneath the eyes, as well as excess folds around the eyes. This surgical procedure involves the removal of excess skin and fat on upper and lower eyelids and is often performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures including facelifts, eyebrow, and forehead lifts. Blepharoplasty can be done under general anesthesia (with you asleep) or under intravenous sedation. Both are very comfortable options. Premedication is utilized prior to surgery to decrease swelling after the operation.

Dr. Afshar will trace the natural lines and creases of your face and make incredibly fine incisions from the inner to the outer edge of the eyelid. Surgery on the upper eyelid is performed first with the incision made in the fold of the lid. The incision is made below the eyelash on the lower eyelid. Any excess fat and skin are removed from the underlying compartments. The amount of fat excised is determined by the degree of protrusion of fat when pressure is applied to the area. Small sutures are used to close the incision and special ointments and dressings may be applied. The surgery can take up to two hours. In certain cases, lower eyelid incisions are made inside the lid. Laser may be used at the same time to reduce wrinkles.

Postoperative Information

Initially, drying of the eyes can occur after blepharoplasty. This condition can be alleviated with medication. In addition, you may be sensitive to bright light and wind for a period of time. Numbness and itching may also occur during the healing process. A final evaluation may occur within several months from the initial surgical procedure.

Insurance

Your insurance company may pay for part of the cost of surgery if the procedure is performed as a result of visual impairment. Because every insurance carrier is different, it is recommended that you check with your own insurance company to determine the level of coverage.