Drooping eyelids are the main reason why people opt for eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty). The aim of the procedure is to remove and tighten the excess skin on the eyelids for a more youthful and alert appearance. Sometimes, the procedure can also improve the vision by providing a less-obstructed field of vision.
The procedure is aimed at removing the excess fat, skin, and muscle from the eyelids. In certain cases, you might only need to remove the skin but not the muscle.
An upper-lid blepharoplasty is eyelid-contouring surgery that specifically focuses on one or both of the patient’s upper eyelids.
This surgical option must not be confused with upper-lid ptosis surgery, which is a procedure done to elevate the portion of the upper-lid margin by tightening the tendon and muscle that usually raise it.
Ideal Candidates
If you are not sure whether you are a suitable candidate for upper-lid blepharoplasty, schedule an appointment with our office to make sure that there aren’t any medical problems with your eyelids. If there is no medical reason for you to undergo the procedure, you can discuss any interest or concerns you have about this surgery with your plastic surgeon.
You might consider opting for the surgery if you have excessive sagging and drooping of the skin around your eyes, which is often a consequence of the aging process. Sagging skin can be exacerbated when you have conditions like puffy eyes due to edema or allergies.
If you are interested in the procedure for purely cosmetic reasons, there is a good chance that your doctor will advise you to keep your expectations realistic. As a general rule, a blepharoplasty will last you at least 10 years. A cosmetic procedure can improve your appearance dramatically, but the results will not last indefinitely. At some point, you will have to repeat the procedure.
Before your procedure, your plastic surgeon will thoroughly evaluate you for possible risk factors like thyroid eye disease, dry eye problems, and diabetes.
Preparation for the Upper-Lid Blepharoplasty Procedure
During your consultation, you will learn more about general anesthesia, which will be used for your procedure. For this, an IV injection will be administered before your surgery to make you go to sleep for the duration of the procedure. The procedure itself will last anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour, depending on the surgical complexity and whether one or both upper eyelids will be involved.
Before you go for the procedure, your plastic surgeon will advise you to stop taking any medication that can prevent your blood from clotting normally. This includes painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin. You will need to stop the medication a week before the procedure to make sure that there isn’t any excess bleeding during surgery. It will also be important to stop smoking during the weeks leading up to the procedure.
Schedule Your Appointment for a Consultation
Experienced board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George Pope regularly performs a wide variety of surgical procedures for patients in the Orlando area. If you would like to visit with Dr. Pope for a consultation to learn more about upper-lid blepharoplasty preparation and the surgery itself, contact our office today.
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