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Blepharoplasty Questions |
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Charlotte, North Carolina Can anyone have blepharoplasty? The best blepharoplasty patients have good general health and a positive and realistic expectation. You also need to have eyes with sufficient natural tears to keep them lubricated. Keep in mind that this procedure will not eliminate wrinkles. Dark circles under your eyes may improve if they are related to large bags, but typically the dark appearance of the lower eyelid skin remains as is. It is important to understand that blepharoplasty cannot replace lost skin elasticity due to sun damage and the aging process of the eyelids and surrounding skin. Some medical conditions may increase the risk of blepharoplasty, such as high blood pressure and thyroid disease. How is the procedure performed? Blepharoplasty is most often performed under a local anesthesia and light sedation. The incisions are made within the natural creases of the eyelids. Fat and excess skin are removed and the incision is closed up with fine, hair-like sutures. Surgeons do not usually remove entire fat pads underneath the eye, as this has proven to cause problems later in life (such as hollowness or a dark, sunken appearance). Minimal fat removal has proven to be beneficial to those who need it. But generally speaking, only the excess skin is removed. What is the recovery like? Your incision sites will look red and irritated immediately after surgery. You may also experience minor lumps initially. With time, the scarring will flatten and fade, and the swelling and discoloration around your eyes will subside. The severity of bruising and swelling differs from person to person; however, it typically goes away within a week or so. Following your recovery period, you will begin to notice that the heaviness of your eyelids is eliminated and your eyes are looking rejuvenated and more alert. How long do results take to show? Your eyelid surgery results will be noticeable as soon as any post-operative swelling goes down. For most patients, this takes a few weeks. The results will be most noticeable if you keep your head elevated. This enables the fluid around your eyes to drain away. Will there be scarring? There are always scars after the skin is incised. The question is how visible they will be. Incisions will be made in the folds of your eyelids to hide the scars. If scarring is severe, it can be treated with additional revision surgery. Some patients find that applying aloe vera or vitamin E can help in reducing scar tissue. It is recommended that you avoid rubbing the area for at least six weeks to avoid damaging the tender new tissue. Some patients choose to conceal any apparent scarring by applying makeup after the doctor has given permission for this. If you’re yearning for a fresh, rejuvenated appearance, eyelid surgery may be right for you. If you would like to have a personal consultation, please contact us today. Our knowledgeable surgeons will be glad to answer your questions and help you achieve the appearance of your dreams. |
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