Blepharoplasty is a medical or cosmetic surgery of the eyelids that strives to improve their appearance by reducing signs of aging, loose skin, and other imperfections. If you’re considering this procedure, Jeffrey Schiller, MD specializes in eyelid surgery and belongs to the elite American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Why Consider Blepharoplasty?
Patients opt to have eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. The procedure can correct loose or sagging skin that obstructs vision or has an unsightly appearance, eliminate deposits of fatty tissue that lead to a swollen appearance, and improve the appearance of bags under the eyes as well as other signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
Who Is a Candidate for This Procedure?
These procedures are useful in reducing the signs of aging around the eyes, which often result in a tired or sad appearance. If you are told you look tired after a good nights sleep, you are an excellent candidate for blepharoplasty. This surgery is appropriate for both men and women. While it’s often pursued by those between the ages of 45 and 65, Dr. Schiller has performed blepharoplasty on patients as young as 24 who have congenital baggy lower eyelids with a tired look. Some of his most happy patients for blepharoplasty have been in their 70s and 80s.
What to Expect During Eyelid Surgery?
During your initial consultation with Dr. Schiller, he will discuss with you the goals you have for the surgery as well as any past or present medical and ophthalmic conditions, medical treatments, prescriptions, or allergies, especially issues affecting the eyes. He’ll take photographs of your eyelids and discuss options for the surgery as well as what to expect when you undergo the procedure. You can see before-and-after photographs of patients with similar conditions to yours who have had surgery to get an idea of what kind of result may be achieved.
Depending on the type of procedure you choose, the procedures are usually done with mild intravenous anesthesia similar to during colonoscopy. Some procedures can be performed with local injections alone with Valium by mouth in selected patients. When incisions are made, excess fat deposits and skin are removed, and muscles are tightened and lifted. The folds of the eyelid conceal these incisions after healing. When the procedure is complete, Dr. Schiller will close the incisions using removable sutures.
How Long Does it Take to Recover?
After eyelid surgery, patients typically experience mild bruising and swelling. As this subsides, you’ll be able to see your desired results. While you may experience some discomfort during the healing process, significant pain is rare and can be controlled with medication. It’s important to protect your eyes from the sun with dark glasses as the incisions heal. Most people who have this surgery completely recover within one to two weeks for upper eyelid surgery and two to four weeks for lower eyelids.